The ‘Company School of Painting’ is a term used to describe a genre of art that emerged in India during the British colonial period, roughly between the 18th and 19th centuries. The term ‘Company’ refers to the British East India Company, which played a key role in the colonial governance of India during this time. This school of art is characterised by a blend of traditional Indian techniques with European artistic conventions, serving a cross-cultural exchange of sorts but also embodying the colonial relationship.

Characteristics

1.Medium And Materials: These paintings were mainly executed on paper, which was different from the large murals, sculptures, or textile art common in Indian tradition. Paper was a medium well-suited for export and easy storage.

2.Subject Matter: They focused on landscapes, local fauna and flora, depictions of Indian ceremonies, festivals, and the lives of ordinary Indians. There were also portraits of British officials and Indian nobility, as well as scenes of trade, commerce, and hunting.

3.Style: The style incorporated meticulous detail, depth, and perspective techniques influenced by European art. This was a deviation from traditional Indian styles, which often emphasised flat compositions and symbolic representations.

4.Audience: The primary audience were the British colonisers, both those residing in India and back in Britain. These paintings were often collected in albums and sent back to Britain, making them exotic keepsakes and demonstrations of the orient.

5.Artists: While the patrons were often British officials, the artists were mainly Indian, many of whom were from cities that had rich artistic traditions, such as Murshidabad, Lucknow, or Delhi.