Page 18 - Eye of the beholder

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franZ eduard Sunkel
THE MANSION BY THE RIVER 1865
He is an artist who apparently introduced the medium of oil painting in the eastern part of India, particularly Calcutta. In a well researched article on Eduard Sunkel, published in the magazine Art & Deal, in November 2011 by the Collector Anirban Sadhu, he says, “Research done by Professor Partha Mitter, for the first time indicated that Gangadhar Dey was the student of German itinerarant artist by name Franz Eduard Sunkel. This indicates the he was the first western artist to be responsible for the origin and propagation of oil painting, particularly in eastern India. The discovery of this particular painting in discussion here sheds light on the emergence of oil painting in India generally and particularly in Calcutta, highlights the art historical importance of Sunkel as itinerarant colonial painter”.
His year of birth is not established but he was active as painter in Berlin from 1884 untill his death. He showed his works regularly at the Prussian Art Academy in Berlin that was founded in 1694.In 1862, he set sail for India. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 had made news across Europe and by 1862 British rule was well consolidated in India and conditions peaceful for travel across the country. Sunkel stay in India was for sixteen years until 1878.
Since there is a paucity of research on many itinerarant painters including Sunkel, and neither did he leave behind any memoir from where it would be possible to glean out important information about his stay in India. Certain evidences point to Sunkel stay in the region of Calcutta and this has been garnered from the catalogue of 1863 of Berlin Academy exhibition, which mentions Sunken’s travel to India. Also Sunkel paintings were considered to be in important private collection like that of Maharaja Pradyot Coomar Tagore. An important aspect of the latter’s collection was that Maharaja had the most complete collection of works by European itinerarant artists active in Calcutta in 18th and 19th centuries. Since Sunkel’s name has not been associated with any other region of India, it may be surmised that the artist did not venture beyond the Bengal region.
The painting in Anirban’s collection was undoubtedly painted in Bengal. It is an oil canvas signed by the artist on the lower right corner and dated 1865. The painting was carried back by the artist to Germany. The subject of this painting is suggestive of a Bengali mansion by the river, which in the 19th century; the nouveau rich had started constructing palatial mansions in the Palladian style, and were premised on the imitation of the contemporary British architecture. It was common sight along the river banks whether it was the Ganges or its tributaries or any rivulet to see these palatial constructions. The two people seen on the step leading to the water are most probably those of the priests evidenced from their shaved heads and their sartorial attire. The foliage and flora surrounding the mansion are typical of the region of Bengal, especially the tall coconut palms.
The composition has a quietitude and serenity, resulting from its setting against the thick coconut grove, with the river silently flowing by creating energies that is as serene as it is spiritual. Sunkel has captured the mood of nature in its tranquility. The painting is almost audible as the river gurgles along and the palm swaying in the gentle summer breeze