Abanindranath Tagore is one of the leading artists of modern Indian art. Inspired by Mughal and Rajput traditional art and Japanese wash technique, Abanindranath gave Indian contexts a new visual form. He gave importance to the Hindu and Buddhist mythological characters in his paintings and portrayed those in a Indianized earthly manner. Emotional aspects are the major things of Tagore’s paintings. The above painting ‘My Mother’ by Tagore is inextricably linked to the moment of the painter’s profound personal loss. He realised after his mother Saudamini Devi’s death that his family possessed no photographic records or prior likeness of her to preserve her memory. According to historical accounts, during this period, her face appeared to him in a sudden, vivid and ethereal vision. Moved by this spiritual experience Tagore visualised his mental image onto paper. It can be said that this portray carries an idealized quality rather than her actual likeness. the painting was done in a strict side profile view. There is no doubt that Tagore used royal portrayal style of Mughal and Rajput miniature art. He also used Jharokha style border with floral motifs to decorate the painting. There are no dramatic gesture or chaotic expression in her face. Instead, the downward and calm eyes and usage of soft and muted colour palettes, reinforces a mood of quiet contemplation and dignified sorrow. It transformed his individual mother into an archetype of maternal grace, devotion and peaceful transition. It bridges the gap between the earthly presence of his mother and timeless sanctity of her departed soul.
Abanindranath Tagore's timeless piece of art comes from a place of personal feelings - that contrast and complement each other. His minimalist approach while depicting his mother's expression of stoic contemplation, as ironic as it may sound, is his way of reviving his memories of his mother who he naturally loved very dearly. We often associate stoicism with men, especially during medieval and early modern to contextualise their lack of emotional intelligence, however, it's equally important for us to acknowledge the silent unspoken sacrifices, the unheard voices of despair, frustration, disillusionment or unfulfilled aspirations of women of those times. Tagore illustrates that "silent" expression beautifully. I'm not going to assume that the artist's mother lived an unhappy woman, but the fact there exists no photographic record of her carries a touch of tragedy. The family unit's emotional anchor, in all likelihood, who left behind - only faint memories, or sudden visions - has an air of agony to it.
Because art grants us the privilege to reimagine and reconstruct the past and relive it differently and vicariously, it's not surprising to see the artist trying to connect with his mother through this painting. In a way, he's trying to feel her presence in her absence. The floral motifs at the below the mother's window serve a dual purpose - they represent the gentle maternal care & nurturing, and resilience and transience of life.
