UK refuses to hand over a rare Nainsukh painting to India
LONDON: The British government has blocked the export of an 18th-century artwork by the iconic Pahari painter Nainsukh to India - so that a British gallery can retain it in the UK.
Estimated to be worth £550,000, the water-colour painting called Trumpeters depicts a traditional musical performance.
Nainsukh’s work has been barred from getting shipped to India by Michael Ellis, UK’S minister for arts, heritage and tourism.
Described by connoisseurs as of a “rarely found calibre”, the painting shows seven village musicians on a terrace, striking differing poses and faces, while energetically blowing long Pahari horns called Turhi.
“It is a fine example of Nainsukh’s trademark gift of detailed observation and directional composition. The artist is considered to be one of the most acclaimed of the Pahari movement, which was a popular genre of Indian miniature painting,” a source said.
Some of Nainsukh’s other works are exhibited in public collections in the UK, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the British Museum.
Ellis said, “Nainsukh’s artistic influence has been felt around the world for generations and this piece demonstrates the outstanding aesthetic importance of his work. I hope this piece can be kept in the UK, not only for its beauty, but to help further the study of Indian art and history.”