Praying for the sick
Description
The painting depicts an old Parsi couple in a room. The ailing wife seems to be sleeping while the husband is offering sukhad (sandalwood) and loban (incense, frankincense) to keep the sacred fire burning in the Afarganyu (Fire-vase) during the prayers for the speedy recovery and longevity of his wife. This painting manifests a very intense feeling of both warmth and sadness due to the sombre shades as the fire is made the only light source.
The artist of the painting is known for the rendition of the life style of the Parsi community.
Endowed with great skill and craftsmanship, Pestonji had a rare vision of developing technique which could maintain true painterly values in his works executed in oil. His style reflects the influence of the 17th-century Dutch master painters Rembrandt and Vermeer. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Bombay School of painting.
Sir D J Tata Art Collection
Collection
Indian Paintings
Artist
Pestonji Bomanji (1851 - 1938)
Object Type
Oil Painting
Material
Oil on canvas
Schools/Culture/Period
Bombay school
Technique
Oil painting
Date
1885
Location
Mumbai
Dimension
68 x 87 cms.