Purkhu (fl. 1780–1820[1]), also spelt as Purkhoo or Parkhu, and also known as Purkhu of Kangra, was a Pahari painter who specialized in the Kangra-style.[1][2][3] He painted both courtly and religious themes.[1][2]
Purkhu | |
|---|---|
 Presumed self-portrait of Purkhu from a larger work | |
| Style | Pahari (specifically Kangra) and Sikh |
| Patron(s) | Sansar Chand of Kangra State Ranjit Singh of Lahore State |
Biography and works
editPurkhu was the son of Dhummun.[4] Purkhu was likely the head chitrera (artist) of a courtly atelier based out of Kangra State during the reign of Sansar Chand (r. 1775–1823).[1][2] In his works, he documented both the public and private lives of his patron.[1][2]
Purkhu also produced a series of religious art works based upon the Harivamsa, Shiva Purana, Ramayana, Gita Govinda, and Kedara Kalpa.[1][2]
Purkhu's disciple was Basharat Ullah.[2]
Style
editWhen comparing the works of earlier Pahari artists belonging to the first generation after Nainsukh and Manaku, which are characterized as "dreamlike" and "lyrical", Purkhu's on the other hand are "journalistic".[1][2] In Purkhu's works, individual facial features depicted do not seem individual, however closer examination reveals subtle differences.[1][2] The landscapes in his paintings have been described as "more mannered" when compared to the earlier Pahari artists.[1][2]
Gallery
editKangra
edit-
Detail of 'Maharaja Sansar Chand of Kangra Enjoys Paintings with His Courtiers' by Purkhu of Kangra, ca.1785–90 -
Ancestor painting of Mian Gopal of Guler seated whilst leaning against a bolster by Purkhu, ca.1825 -
Folio 48 from the Kangra Rasikapriya, school of Purkhu, Kangra, c 1810 -
Krishna Approaches Indra for Help, workshop of Purkhu, Honolulu Museum of Art -
Illustration to a Mahabharata series, In the manner of Purkhu, Kangra, circa 1815-20 -
Indra consulting with his Preceptor in the Assembly of the Gods -
Maharaja Sansar Chand receives some visitors
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Sikh
edit-
Miniature painting of Gurbaksh Singh Kanhaiya with a fly-whisk attendant. Family atelier of Purkhu of Kangra, ca.1785 -
Guru Gobind Singh with the Sahibzadas -
Ramgarhia and Sukarchakia Misls hold a diplomatic meeting -
Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in conversation with Jodh Singh and Bir Singh -
Portrait of Guru Arjan Dev, the Fifth Guru -
Painting of Jai Singh Kanhaiya receiving Raja Raj Singh and other hill princes with canopy overhead, ca.1774
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Maharaja Sansar Chand of Kangra Enjoys Paintings with His Courtiers". The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Guy, John; Britschgi, Jorrit (2011). "Purkhu of Kangra". Wonder of the Age: Master Painters of India, 1100-1900. Metropolitan Museum of Art. pp. 176–177. ISBN 9781588394309.
- ^ Chaitanya, Krishna (1976). "1: A Twilit Landscape". A History of Indian Painting. Vol. 2. Abhinav Publications. pp. 1–7. ISBN 9788170173106.
- ^ Pal, Pratapaditya (1972). Aspects of Indian Art: Papers Presented in a Symposium at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, October, 1970 (illustrated ed.). Brill Archive. p. 133. ISBN 9789004036253.