Untitled

Artist: Lalu Prasad Shaw
Medium: Tempera on Board
Size: 30 × 24 inches (76.2 × 60.96 cm)
Year: 2018

This elegant tempera painting by Lalu Prasad Shaw captures a quietly intimate moment through a stylized portrayal of a seated woman, rendered with a simplicity and grace characteristic of traditional Indian artistic idioms. Executed in tempera on board, the work is presented in a vertical, portrait format, emphasizing the figure’s serene posture and the harmonious balance of color and form within the composition. The central figure is a light-skinned woman with flowing dark hair, seated comfortably on a rich reddish-purple floor. Her attire is a finely detailed yellow sari with subtle pink stripes, which adds warmth and vibrancy to the scene. The drapery of the sari folds naturally yet remains stylized, adhering to the flattened pictorial space and the deliberate restraint common in traditional Indian art.

The woman holds and plays a string instrument, likely a vina or a similar classical Indian instrument. Painted in a soft light brown with a rounded resonator body, the instrument rests gently in her hands, suggesting a moment of musical engagement and contemplation. The depiction of the instrument is simple but precise, adding an auditory dimension to the visual narrative and evoking cultural and spiritual associations with classical Indian music. Behind the woman, a window with a barred design opens into the night, revealing a glowing crescent moon, an element that imbues the painting with a poetic sense of calm and timelessness. This subtle inclusion hints at the passing of time and the continuity of tradition, grounding the figure in a quiet domestic space.

The background features a delicate floral pattern of white blossoms set against a muted peach-colored backdrop. This decorative motif enriches the composition, complementing the figure’s poised presence while maintaining a restrained color palette. The overall aesthetic is one of flatness and stylization, where emphasis is placed on pattern, line, and color harmony rather than on naturalistic depth or perspective. Lalu Prasad Shaw’s work eloquently reflects a synthesis of folk sensibility and classical refinement, inviting the viewer into a world where music, tradition, and quiet contemplation coexist. Through this piece, Shaw honors the rich heritage of Indian art and culture, while offering a timeless meditation on beauty, stillness, and the human connection to artistic expression.