The Indian Portrait

An online museum on the fascinating journey of Indian Portraits
from the collection of Anil Relia

Govardhanlalji sitting in prayer, holding a Rosary Bag

Govardhanlalji sitting in prayer, holding a Rosary Bag / prayer beads by Unknown Artist Nathdwara circa 1930 Opaque watercolour on paper 14.5 x 11.5 in. (36.8 x 29.2 cm.) There are several paintings of Govardhanlalji wherein he is shown going about his religious duties or portraits that highlight his exalted stature. There are very few […]

Oval bust Portrait of Govardhanlalji in Grisaille style

Oval bust Portrait of Govardhanlalji in Grisaille style by Champalal Gaur (c.1875-c.1930) Nathdwara circa 1920 Opaque watercolour and gold on paper 23 x 18 in. (58.4 x 44.7 cm) Portraits of Tilkayat Govardhanlalji were extremely popular amongst the pilgrims who came to pay obeisance to Shrinathji. The artist, Champalal Gaur acceded to the rising demand […]

Govardhanlalji seated on European-style chair with hand resting on a table

Govardhanlalji seated on European-style chair with hand resting on a table by Champalal Gaur (c.1875-c.1930) Nathdwara circa 1920 Opaque watercolour and gold on paper 21.5 x 16 in. (54.6 x 40.6 cm) Tilkayat Govardhanlalji was always a popular subject with the artists of Nathdwara. Champalal Gaur (c.1875-c.1930) belonged to the Jatoiya clan of the adi-gaur […]

Manorath on a special festival day

Manorath on a special festival day by Ambalal Khemraj Nathdwara circa 1925 Opaque watercolour and gold on paper 23.5 x 17.75 in. (59.7 x 45.1 cm) In this painting of a manorath, the entire family is depicted in profile. The pichwai at the back depicts golden cows on a black background. Govardhanlalji is shown performing […]

Manorath of Shrinathji in Chandan ka Bungala

Manorath of Shrinathji in Chandan ka Bungala by Unknown Artist Nathdwara circa 1920 Opaque watercolour and gold on paper 17.9 x 22 in. (45.5 x 55.9 cm.) Painting commemorates a manorath of Shrinathji in a chandan ka bungala or silver pavilion. It shows Govardhanlalji performing aarti to Shrinathji. The setting is that of a silver […]

Manorath on the day of Maghsarsudi Purnima with Damodarlalji

Manorath on the day of Maghsarsudi Purnima with Damodarlalji by Nathalal Jaikrishnadas Nathdwara dated 1921 Opaque watercolour and gold on paper 20 x 24 in. (50.8 x 61 cm.) An auspicious day in the calendar of the Vallabha sampradaya is Maghsarsudi Purnima. Here, an entire family belonging to the Bhatia community from the erstwhile Bombay […]

Shringar of Maghsar Sudi Purnima for Chappan Bhog with background of Krishna Leela

Shringar of Maghsar Sudi Purnima for Chappan Bhog with background of Krishna Leela by Khubiram Bhai Gopilal Nathdwara circa 1920 Opaque watercolour and gold on paper 25 x 20 in. (63.5 x 50.8 cm) This painting by renowned painters Khubiram and Gopilal is a wonderful amalgamation of Krishna Leela alongwith the aarti conducted by Govardhanlalji. […]

Shrinathji Shringar on a summer day

Shringar on a summer day by Bitthaldas Sharma Nathdwara circa 1910 Opaque watercolour and gold on paper 24 x 17.75 in. (61 x 45.1 cm.) In summer the color scheme is light. Shrinathji is seen in garments made from jasmine buds. The white pichwai in the back seems to be in appliqué. The front room […]

Govardhanlalji performing Aarti of Shrinathji During Gangaur Festival

Govardhanlalji performing Aarti of Shrinathji During Gangaur Festival by Unknown Artist Nathdwara circa 1910 Opaque watercolour and gold on paper 12.25 x 17.5 in. (31.1 x 44.4 cm.) Gangaur is one of the most colourful and important festivals of Nathdwara and observed with great fervor by the womenfolk. This festival signifies the coming together of […]

Full length portrait of Govardhanlalji standing with cane

Full length portrait of Govardhanlalji standing with cane by Unknown Artist (after Ghasiram Sharma) Nathdwara circa 1910 Opaque watercolour on paper 21.25 x 11 in. (54 x 27.9 cm.) Nathdwara was at its zenith during the tenure of Govardhanlalji as the Tilkayat. Several portraits of Govardhanlalji were very popular amongst the pilgrims. One such painting […]