What Medium Was Used In Company Paintings?

When two cultures collide, there is always the potential for great artistic inspiration. This was certainly the case when the British East India Company hired Indian painters to create works for their vast holdings. These artists used a wide range of mediums to produce works that were rich in color and imagery. Whether depicting scenes of daily life or portraits of local nobility, these paintings capture the vibrancy and culture of India at the time. If you’re looking for a unique glimpse into this fascinating period in history, check out this article for insights into the marvels of Company painting.
Before delving into the various mediums used by Indian artists, it’s essential to understand what company paintings are and the historical context of these works.
Company Painting: What Is It?
Company paintings are a type of painting that emerged in India during the 18th century. The term “company” refers to the British East India Company, a powerful mercantile organization that had significant influence over the Indian subcontinent.
Indian artists created company Painting works for and under the patronage of British East India Company traders and administrators. The paintings capture the unique combination of cultures that arose when British settlers arrived in India, bringing their artistic styles and traditions while adopting and adapting local techniques and practices.
One of the most critical aspects of company paintings is the range of mediums used by Indian artists. This included everything from traditional Indian paints and inks to Western-style oil paintings. The wide variety of mediums reflects the cross-cultural influences during this period.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular mediums used by Indian painters and the fascinating artwork they have produced.
Paper
The Indian artists commonly used paper for company paintings. Artists would often use a type of paper known as “khadi,” made from cotton or linen rags. This paper was popular because it was sturdy and could be reused multiple times.
One of the advantages of using paper for company paintings was that the artist could easily experiment with different color palettes and techniques. With paper, artists could incorporate vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and detailed imagery into their works. This made for some truly stunning and unique paintings.
A famous company painter is Raja Ravi Varma, who used various techniques and mediums in his work, including paper. His paintings are renowned for their beauty and attention to detail, and they are among the most sought-after works of Indian art today.
Ivory
The use of ivory for company paintings was quite popular. This material lent itself well to detailed portraits and other works that required fine lines and subtle shades. Mughal monuments are some popular inspirations for work on ivory as a base. Paintings on ivory were often small in size, as this was more practical for transporting them back to Britain.
Like paper, ivory for company paintings allowed artists to experiment with various colors and styles. And because ivory is a durable material, these works have endured the test of time and are still admired by art lovers today.
Watercolors
The colors used in company paintings were often very vibrant and eye-catching. Watercolors were used to achieve this effect. The watercolors allowed for a wide range of hues, making them ideal for depicting the bright and vibrant culture.
The watercolors were usually made from natural pigments derived from minerals, plants, and even insects. These colors were then mixed with water, creating a vibrant palette that perfectly suited the subjects of company paintings.
One of the best examples is Sewak Ram, an Indian watercolor artist who worked in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The British East India Company hired him to paint several works depicting the diversity of Indian culture. Sewak Ram’s vivid watercolors are remarkable not only for their striking colors but also for their ability to capture Indian daily activities.
Black Ink
To depict minute details of animals such as birds, flowers, and butterflies, Indian artists used black ink. This medium allowed the artists to draw intricate patterns and fine lines precisely.
The popular use of different mediums in company paintings reflects India’s cross-cultural influences during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The wide variety of mediums used by Indian painters reflects the unique combination of cultures that arose when British settlers arrived in India. Company paintings offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, capturing the everyday life of India in all its richness and detail. These works remain popular today and are treasured by art lovers around the world.