UNKNOWN ARTIST (Painting of Mahatma Gandhi)

Acquired by the collector, in the mid-1990s, from a flea market in London

A very realistic rendering of the portrait of the 'Father of the Nation'. The artist has painted the smiling face as if he has captured it through the lens of the camera. The detailing of the fine grey hair on the head and the red Tilak with grains of rice on the forehead is commendable. There is a mature handling of light and shade on the portrait. Noteworthy is the glint of laughter in the eyes through the frame of the spectacles. The ability of the artist shows the deftness of handling and total control of the medium. The line of shadow of the frame of the glasses and the fine crow-lines near the eyes, cheeks, jaw, chin, as also wrinkles on the neck, are all testimony to the skill of this unknown artist. Though unsigned, the work speaks for the creator.