Unknown; the original drawing has not been traced in published museum or gallery catalogues.
Benediction is a poem written by Rabindranath Tagore, a writer, philosopher and Nobel laureate. It first appeared in 1913 in his collection of child-poems titled The Crescent Moon, published by Macmillan & Co. In London. Tagore wrote this poem during a time of emotional and artistic reflection. He wanted to express the purity of childhood the power of feeling and the deep joy that comes from a mother’s love and care. The poem is a prayer asking for blessings to protect a child from sorrow and to fill her life with happiness and peace. This work stands as an example of early 20th-century Indian poetry, shaped by India’s enduring spiritual traditions.
This painting based on the Benediction was created by Surendranath Ganguly, a master of the Bengal School. He painted it between 1908 and 1909 using watercolour and tempera wash on paper. The painting was first used as an illustration in the first edition of Tagore’s The Crescent Moon in 1913. It reflects the vision developed by Abanindranath Tagore and his circle in the early 1900s. Ganguly captures a sacred moment with soft brushstrokes and gentle colours that create a mystical atmosphere. The style shows a blend of India’s ancient mural traditions with Japanese wash techniques that were popular in Bengal at the time.
Ganguly made this painting in support of the Swadeshi movement, which encouraged people to boycott goods and embrace Indian-made art and literature. Tragically the artist died at the age of 24. After his death the painting was included in the Macmillan edition of The Crescent Moon along with eight full-colour illustrations. Today Ganguly’s original artwork in colour is not, on display. It is preserved in digital form through high-quality scans and reproductions allowing people to study and appreciate it even though the original is not easily accessible.
This artwork, titled "Benediction" by Surendranath Ganguli, illustrates Rabindranath Tagore's poem of the same name, published in his poetry collection "The Crescent Moon." The painting was created in the context of the Swadeshi Movement, which encouraged the use and promotion of Indian-made goods, including art and literature. Employing Japanese wash techniques, the work also evokes the mural traditions of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, reminding the viewer of India's long history of mural painting.
The two children are the focal point of the composition. They sit in what appears to be a rose garden, their gazes fixed on something or someone beyond the frame. Their saffron robes suggest that they may be young disciples at a gurukul, while the bow held by one of them could indicate that they are either engaged in a lesson or taking a break between lessons. The scene conveys a sense of quietness and contemplation.
Tagore's poem expresses a blessing for young children, whose innocence and joy are to be cherished and protected. To me, the painting captures these qualities beautifully. The children's' expression and the serene setting convey a sense of untainted joy, reflecting the poem's wish that their lives be blessed by their elders.
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By: Petunia Fernandes
What we see in this picture is a person sitting alone under a big tree. The person is wearing light yellow clothes and is sitting on the ground with knees folded. His face looks calm and thoughtful. In front of him there are some small purple flowers and thin branches. The colours of the painting are very soft and light, which makes the whole scene feel quiet and peaceful.The meaning of this painting is related to its title Benediction. Benediction means blessing and good wishes. The lonely figure seems to be in prayer or deep thought, taking blessing from nature.The message of the painting is that true peace comes from being quiet and close to nature. It shows that happiness is not in noise and hurry, but in calmness.It indicates our modern need for silence. It suggests that we should give time to ourselves, respect nature, and keep our mind clean and kind to find real blessing in life.
