Lot#27 || Nikhil Biswas (1930 - 1966)
UNTITLED (Sketchbook)
(Circa 1960)
Sketchbook
7.50 x 5.00 x 1.00 in
Estimate ₹ 12,00,000 - ₹ 15,00,000
PROVENANCE
Christie's The India Sale Lot 34 December 2014
Christie's The India Sale Lot 34 December 2014
DESCRIPTION
Autograph manuscript journal in Bengali and English signed ('Nikhil Biswas') and initialed in places ('N' or 'NB') 1963 illustrated with pen and ink sketches by the author approximately 375 leaves 8vo (187 x 130mm). Nikhil Biswas was a Calcutta-born artist and studied at the Government College of Arts and Crafts. The artist was one of the founders of the Calcutta Painters Group and the Society of Contemporary Artists. His works elicit a deep understanding of the human predicament. His body of work is intense and rare given his untimely death at a young age. This collection of sketches from Nikhil Biswas' diaries provides a rare glimpse into the artist's creative process and personal reflections. Unlike traditional diaries, Biswas' journals are sparse on autobiographical details, focusing instead on his thoughts on art, society, and his philosophy of life. The printed dates on the pages may not correspond to the actual dates of the entries, as Biswas used large diaries to have ample space for his sketches and notes. The sketches in this lot are preliminary jottings, serving as visual references and preparatory works for further use. They are akin to the works of Ganesh Pyne, capturing fleeting moments of inspiration and serving as a foundation for more detailed pieces. Biswas' drawings are accompanied by personal notes, conversations he had with himself, and promises he made to himself, revealing his introspective nature and the depth of his artistic inquiry.
Autograph manuscript journal in Bengali and English signed ('Nikhil Biswas') and initialed in places ('N' or 'NB') 1963 illustrated with pen and ink sketches by the author approximately 375 leaves 8vo (187 x 130mm). Nikhil Biswas was a Calcutta-born artist and studied at the Government College of Arts and Crafts. The artist was one of the founders of the Calcutta Painters Group and the Society of Contemporary Artists. His works elicit a deep understanding of the human predicament. His body of work is intense and rare given his untimely death at a young age. This collection of sketches from Nikhil Biswas' diaries provides a rare glimpse into the artist's creative process and personal reflections. Unlike traditional diaries, Biswas' journals are sparse on autobiographical details, focusing instead on his thoughts on art, society, and his philosophy of life. The printed dates on the pages may not correspond to the actual dates of the entries, as Biswas used large diaries to have ample space for his sketches and notes. The sketches in this lot are preliminary jottings, serving as visual references and preparatory works for further use. They are akin to the works of Ganesh Pyne, capturing fleeting moments of inspiration and serving as a foundation for more detailed pieces. Biswas' drawings are accompanied by personal notes, conversations he had with himself, and promises he made to himself, revealing his introspective nature and the depth of his artistic inquiry.
