Painter Sunayani Devi was born on this day into the illustrious Tagore family in Calcutta. A rare woman artist of her times, she was inspired by her brothers, the renowned artists Abanindranath Tagore and Gaganendranath Tagore, but began to paint much later in life. She was self-taught.
She used folk motifs and themes of Indian myths and epics. Figures are important in her art. Clay dolls, Kalighat patas, as well as Rajasthani miniature paintings and Abanindranath’s wash techniques, were all influences on her.
Her paintings exuded a simplicity, warmth and charm which were often commented on. Her works were shown at several exhibitions, within the country and abroad. Art historian Stella Kramrisch writes with appreciation about Sunayani Devi’s art, as having the warmth and light that surrounds ripe fields.