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Lot Essay
Some of Husain's most recognisable works belong to his series on the two great Indian epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The present work is simultaneously iconic and narrative. As inidcated by its title, the work represents a specific incident and is therefore firmly rooted in location and time.
The work is also emblematic of Husain's philosophy on the larger role of his paintings play in society: they convey both external as well as internal conflict. "...Psychological conflict is a basic cosmic principle because internal struggle is a defining feature of human life." The brothers fighting the war are "metaphors" for the inner battles within people. His Mahabharata paintings "...poignantly appreciate how time and place become inscribed inside people." (D. Herwitz, Husain, Mumbai, 1988, p. 25.)
Husain's handling of colour in the present work illustrates his mastery of watercolour as a medium. The background resonates with a diffused light that is echoed in the prostrate figure in the foreground.
The work is also emblematic of Husain's philosophy on the larger role of his paintings play in society: they convey both external as well as internal conflict. "...Psychological conflict is a basic cosmic principle because internal struggle is a defining feature of human life." The brothers fighting the war are "metaphors" for the inner battles within people. His Mahabharata paintings "...poignantly appreciate how time and place become inscribed inside people." (D. Herwitz, Husain, Mumbai, 1988, p. 25.)
Husain's handling of colour in the present work illustrates his mastery of watercolour as a medium. The background resonates with a diffused light that is echoed in the prostrate figure in the foreground.