M.F. Pithwalla

M.F. Pithwalla (1872-1937) is considered one of the most seminal artists of the Bombay School. Born in Pitha, Gujarat, he shifted to Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1888 following the untimely demise of his father. His talent was appreciated by John Griffiths, the then Principal of Sir J.J. School of Art. Pithwalla’s oeuvre brings us to an important junction of modern art through a historical perspective. Notably, his works follow an academic realist style of portrait painting, which became his critical forte. Soon, his services were sought after by elites of India’s British colonials for commissioned projects.

Pithwalla also studied art at the British Academy in Rome. He spent considerable time in Europe. Eventually,  his portraiture-expertise fetched him many accolades, incorporating him in the league of the leading artists of Britain during that time. During Queen Mary’s visit to India, he was authorised to create an album of Indian women portraits from diverse communities, capturing their characteristic style, distinct mannerisms and sartorial preferences.

Pithwalla’s portraits vividly captured the myriad intricacies of India’s British colonial legacy. The establishment with its multiple ranks and characteristic hierarchy was a complex one and Pithwalla’s portraits became a medium through which an outsider could understand its philosophy.

Through his portraits, Pithwalla represented the lives and personalities of the Indian bourgeoisie – landlords, lawyers, elite merchants and their wives. Detailed and immaculate, the socio-cultural milieu of his subjects and their rank in society was rendered flawlessly.

Pithwalla had many exhibitions in India and U.K. His works are a part of prestigious collections like the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, CSMVS, Mumbai and Victoria and Albert Museum, London.