Thanjavur painting, also known as Tanjore painting, is a traditional art form from southern India that celebrates the region's rich creative legacy. It is named after the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. Tanjore paintings are famous for their great portrayals of deities in vivid colours and flashy ornaments, particularly gold foil. Though the art form has evolved through time, it remains popular among art lovers today and inspires many painters with its uniquely Indian flair.
Ancient Roots
Tanjore painting was inspired by 16th century Indian art, when the Vijayanagara Rayas controlled their extensive dominion in southern India via the Nayaka Governors. The Nayakas were avid supporters of art and literature. Maratha monarchs promoted the flourishing of art and artists after establishing Maratha sovereignty in the area in 1676. Tanjore painting genuinely blossomed and evolved into the shape and style that we know now throughout this period.
Large paintings depicting deities and Maratha emperors, courtiers, and nobles graced Maratha palaces and structures. Almost all of the deities had rounded features, almond-shaped eyes, and sleek bodies. The figurines were painted in flat colours and were typically crammed inside arches, draperies, and decorative borders. Tanjore paintings were distinguished by their thick compositions, and faces were generally darkened to enhance depth.
Making of Tanjore Painting
The first stage in the creation of a Tanjore Painting is the sketching of a preliminary sketch of the picture on the base. The foundation is constructed of linen that has been placed over a wooden basis. The second step is to add chalk powder or zinc oxide to the base after combining it with water-soluble glue. Following that, the artwork is created and embellished with cut glass, pearls, and even semi-precious stones. Lace or thread may also be utilised to embellish the artwork. Wafer-thin sheets of gold are placed in relief on certain portions of the picture to enhance the impact, while the other parts are painted in vivid colours.
Diverse Stylistic Influence
Tanjore painting was inspired not just by the numerous ethnic groups who patronised the artform, but also by other famous painting styles associated with the Vijayanagara school, such as the Kalamkari and Tirupati schools of painting. Tirupati paintings depicted deities and were gilded and gem-set in a way comparable to Tanjore paintings. They were created at the famed temple town of Tirupati utilising various mediums and methods.
The majority of reverse glass paintings from southern India were greatly inspired by Tanjore painting and showed religious figures in brilliant colours, with metallic foils and embellishments contributing to the richness of the artworks.
Mysore painting, a prominent art style, has many traits with Tanjore painting, which sometimes leads to misunderstanding between the two. Both were created by artists from the Raju and Naidu groups and have their origins in the Vijayanagara era. Though the techniques are very similar, there are significant variations, such as the use of paper as a basis for Mysore paintings and the restricted use of gold foil, glass beads, and valuable and semi-precious stones. Of contrast to Tanjore paintings, the topics at Mysore paintings mirror the modern style that was dominant in the Mysore Palace, and they also depict more complex landscapes.
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