Benode Behari Mukherjee was born in Behala, Bengal on February 7, 1904. Unable to pursue formal education (he was blind in one eye and myopic in the other), he joined Tagore’s experimental school for children – the Patha Bhavan in Shantiniketan at the age of 12. When Kala Bhavan was established in 1919, he was its second student; in his later years, he returned to his alma mater as a faculty member. Alongside his teacher, Nandalal Bose and colleague, the master sculptor Ramkinkar Baij, Mukherjee influenced many prominent artists of the 20th century including Satyajit Ray and KG Subramanyan!Like other Santiniketan artists who were setting the foundation for an artistic vision that exchanged elite concerns for subaltern views, Benode Behari Mukherjee turned to the environment immediately around him for his inspiration. His studies of people going about their daily tasks—somewhat removed in theme from his large-sized murals—are expressive and resonate with colour: the latter perhaps because he was visually challenged from early in his life. The expressionistic strokes are another attribute of the Santiniketan artists of the time.
The artwork Woman with Fan represents a calm and intimate moment from everyday life. The Woman appears relaxed, possibly enjoying a quiet personal space. The use of simple forms and soft, expressive colours reflects the artist’s focus on ordinary people and daily activities. The fan may symbolise comfort, rest, or relief, suggesting a peaceful environment. The painting highlights beauty in simplicity and shows how small, ordinary moments can be meaningful. Overall, the artwork conveys a sense of calmness, warmth, and connection to daily life.
