AT THE STRAIN OF THE FLUTE
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | Sold to a private buyer Christie\'s New York on 24th September 2025 (Current Location Unknown) |
| Location History: | Late 20th century –2025- Belonged to the Pal Family Collection 2025- The painting "At the Strain of the Flute" by Ranada Charan Ukil (1900–1970) was sold at Christie's New York on September 24, 2025 as part of the "Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Works of Art Including Property from the Pal Family Collection" auction |
The painting is a visual delight as well as a puzzle at the same time. The leaves that are depicted in a lighter shade of green at the base of the stem are shown in blue towards the other side of the human figure. The illustration of the human also seems a bit contradictory, with both male and female features. The figure leaning on a branch on the one side and with the leg positioned on a pot is also another piece of contention, which can only be explained by the artist. These are the aspects that are left to the interpretation of the connoisseur of this art piece, based on the title or the usage of strokes. Nevertheless, these are also the things that mystify as well as engage someone looking at it. The robe that is spread everywhere in a random fashion might be a depiction of the tension that the music from the flute has created on the human figure. The face, jewellery and detailing of the human are extremely intricate and is a demonstration of the artist's finesse.