HISTORICAL

PAINTINGS
 ORIGIN OF PAINTINGS
The origin of paintings is a fascinating journey through time, where
human creativity and expression have left indelible marks on our
cultural heritage. Let’s delve into this captivating history:
 The earliest known paintings date back approximately 40,000 years.
These remarkable artworks were created during the Paleolithic
period.
 These ancient artists used natural pigments to depict animals,
humans, and abstract symbols on cave walls. Their purpose remains
a subject of speculation—whether for ritualistic, devotional,
or decorative reasons.
 As societies transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture,
painting evolved. The Neolithic period (around 10,000 BCE)
witnessed the decline of rock paintings due to societal changes.
 ORIGIN OF PAINTINGS

 Ancient Greece saw the emergence of painting as we recognize it

today. Later, the Romans perfected this art form.
 During the Middle Ages, painting was largely controlled by
cultural traditions, religious institutions, and royal courts. Artists
were skilled artisans, creating works for specific functions.
 The concept of the “fine artist” emerged during the Renaissance.
Prominent painters gained social status, signed their work, and
established personal relationships with patrons.
 ORIGIN OF PAINTINGS IN ANCIENT INDIA

 The old paintings serve as a valuable record of the thoughts and

aspirations of our ancients. The art in general ,was inspired by life, by
reflecting upon human concerns and aspirations, celebrating and
delighting in the life of this world.
 In ancient times, Caves were the primary shelter of human life.
Bhimbetka cave contains some of the oldest paintings, called
Petroglyphs, known to humankind dated 15000 years ago.
 White and red colour were mainly seen in Bhimbetka caves. These
colours were prepared by combining Manganese, Haematite, wooden
coal, soft red stone, plant leaves and animal fat. Brushes were made of
plant fibre.
 The main theme of
Bhimbetka paintings are
about festivities,
religious rites, daily life,
hunting and animals.
 They provide much
information about the
lives of prehistoric
people from their birth
to death.
CLASSIFICATION OF INDIAN PAINTINGS

MURAL PAINTINGS

MINIATURE
PAINTINGS
 MURAL
PA I N T I N G S
 AJANTA CAVE PAINTINGS
(MAHARASHTRA)
 One of the oldest surviving murals, 2nd
century BC to 5-6th century AD.
 Total of 29 caves, carved in a horse-shoe
shape, belonging to Maurya, Gupta and
Shunga period.
 Major themes are related to Buddhism like
Jataka stories, life of Buddha, etc.
 The outline of the figures is in red ochre.
 Important Paintings:
• Padmapani (Avalokitesvara)
• Manjusri
• Scenes from the Jataka stories.
• Dying Princess in Cave No. 16.
• Apsara
 ELLORA CAVE PAINTINGS
(MAHARASHTRA)

 Fragments of painting on the ceiling of the

different parts of Kailashnath temple.
 Murals were done in two phases: During the
carving of the caves and few centuries later.
 Mainly found in 5 caves.
 All three religions (Buddhism, Jainism and
Hinduism).
 The paintings were painted in red . The
absence of blue in the paintings is remarkable.
 Locally known as ‘Verul Leni’.
 ARMAMALAI CAVE PAINTINGS
(TAMILNADU)

 Natural caves, later converted to Jain temples

during 8th CE.
 Stories of the Jain religion and tales of
Astathik Palakas (deities protecting eight
corners) through stunning paintings.
 Cave paintings include both Northern
Technique and Southern Technique.
 SITTANAVASAL CAVE PAINTINGS
(TAMILNADU)

 From 1st century BC to 10th century CE.

 Intimately connected with Jain themes and
symbology.
 Resemblance with Bagh and Ajanta
paintings.
 Paintings on walls as well as ceilings.
 Themes like a lotus pool with birds,
elephants, buffaloes and a young man
plucking flowers, etc.
 LEPAKSHI TEMPLE PAINTINGS (ANDHRA
PRADESH)

 Veerabhadra temple walls at Lepakshi in 16th

century.
 Vijayanagara period, during reign of king
Achutaraya.
 Themes like Ramayana, Mahabharata and
incarnations of Vishnu.
 Depicts in decline of quality, complete
absence of primary colours.
 Outlined with black colour
BADAMI CAVE TEMPLE
(KARNATAKA)

 One of the earliest surviving Hindu

paintings.
 It was previously known as
‘Pataapi’, the capital of the
Chalukya Dynasty.
 6th-7th century CE.
 Famous for graceful and
compassionate looks.
 Cave no. 3, four-armed Brahma on
his swan.
 UNESCO-designated World Heritage
Site.
M I N IAT U R E
PAINTINGS
 MINIATURE PAINTINGS
 Name derived from word “Minimum” means Red lead paint.
 Small and detailed paintings.
 It is mostly in Islamic and Hindu theme.
 It is mostly in side profile, bulgy eyes and pointed lips.
 It is seen all over the world. Eg:Monalisa.

Painting
should not Formula of Techniques
be larger 1/6th of of
than 25 actual Miniature
square object size. Paintings
inch.
 MUGHAL ERA MINIATURE PAINTINGS

Court art during Painting of

Akbar’s reign Jahangir & Nur Jahan
Fusion of Indian painting and Persian painting style ; influenced by European
 MUGHAL ERA MINIATURE PAINTINGS

Painting of Painting of
Jahangir blessing Shahjahan Mumtaz Mahal
 MINIATURE PAINTINGS OF SOUTH INDIA
(Liberal use of gold)

MYSORE PAINTINGS
TANJORE PAINTINGS

 Special decorative paintings.  Depiction of Hindu gods and

 Mostly created on glass and wooden goddesses.
planks.  One figure predominates all the others.
 Mostley they use orange ,red and green.  Use the ‘gesso paste’.
 Cholas are best in paintings.  Both Tanjore and Mysore paintings are GI
tagged.
THANK
YOU
PRESENTED BY:

HARINI S
HARSHAVANY A K
JANANI R
PRADEKSHA B
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