Court painting, both devotional and secular, has a long history in India and has inspired artists from diverse global traditions. This Bulletin features more than fifty stunning examples of Indian court painting by Mughal, Deccani, Rajasthani, and Pahari artists all from the former collection of British painter Howard Hodgkin (1932–2017). The works featured include stunning portraits, beautifully detailed text illustrations, studies of the natural world, and devotional subjects. Authors explore Hodgkins’s interest in these works and the relationship between his collecting and artistic practice while also providing detailed discussions of individual styles of the Indian courts and the vibrant exchange across their kingdoms from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century.

A catalogue to accompany an exhibit held at the museum from March to July 1997. Color reproductions of 83 paintings are presented chronologically rather than in the usual separate sections on Mughal, Deccani, Rijput, and Pahari traditions. Kossak, associate curator of Asian art at the museum, offers an introductory essay. Distributed in the US by Harry N. Abrams. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

One of Britain's most celebrated contemporary painters, Hodgkin composed powerful, expressive works that, while nominally abstract, bring representation, gesture, and affect into urgent relation. 'Last Paintings', presented at the Grosvenor Hill Gallery in accordance with the late artist's wishes, includes the final six paintings that he completed in India prior to his death in March 2017, five of which will be exhibited for the first time. The exhibition includes more than twenty other paintings never before exhibited in Europe. In 1972 Hodgkin renounced working on canvas in favor of wooden panels and frames, some new and others sourced secondhand in India and Europe. The grain of the wood and the scars and scratches of the supports became integral to the paintings, affirming their physical presence and heft. 'Last Paintings' attests to the immediacy of Hodgkin's methods, as well as his intuitive understanding of the relationship between hand, eye, and memory.--Exhibition: Gagosian Grosvenor Hill, London, UK (1.6. - 28.7. 2018).

For popular British artist Howard Hodgkin (b.1932), India has been a source of inspiration since he first visited the country in 1964. Although Hodgkin's collection of Indian art has been featured in various publications, this will be the first to explore the influence of India on his work. The first of Hodgkin's paintings inspired by India, Indian Subject (Blue), 1965-1969, was also the first of his paintings to be painted on wood, rather than canvas. It began a long exploration of paint surface and support that has become a key characteristic of his practice. The book's illustrative journey begins with early works of the 1960s and includes paintings from throughout Hodgkin's career including his most recent. Featuring unpublished archival material, newly commissioned essays and an interview with the artist, this unique publication sheds light on an important strand of Hodgkin's oeuvre and provides valuable insights into his work in general.

"This book takes you through the collection gallery by gallery, illuminating the art and installations in each room"--From preface.