Pair Indian Reverse Glass Paintings

Antique pair of Indian reverse glass paintings of two noblemen or maharajahs wearing turbans, mustaches and vibrant, formal elegant attire. Their likenesses are set within ovals within rectangular dark maroon original frames. The frames are a bit distressed.

Painting on glass was introduced into India in the 18th century by itinerant Chinese artists and flourished on the west coast of India. Owning reverse glass paintings was considered fashionable by Indian royalty. The inexpensive, decorative paintings became a token for owners to show that they were keeping up with the times. Soon after, Indian artists learned the technique and produced reverse glass paintings reflecting Indian tradition. The artists who created reverse glass paintings belonged to a community of hereditary craftsmen – chitrakara – who were painters, decorators, gilders and wood carvers. As it is highly unlikely that these artists, who belonged to marginalized castes, were allowed into the temple precincts, and are likely to have taken inspiration from processional images, rather than the images enshrined within temples.