Jamini Roy

(Indian, 1887–1972)

Jamini Roy was an Indian painter best known for combining traditional Indian and Western art styles to create unique and complex works. Born on April 11, 1887 in Beliatore, India, he went on to study under Abanindranath Tagore at the Government College of Art in Kolkata at age 16. While there, he learned academic drawing and painting in the Western tradition. After graduating, Roy adopted the simple forms, flat colors, and humble paints of Bengali folk artists. The artist garnered impressive success throughout his career, ultimately receiving the Padma Bhushan award from the Government of India in 1954, which is the third highest honor that can bestowed upon a civilian. Today, Roy’s works can be found in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida, and the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, among others. Roy died on April 24, 1972 in Kolkata, India.