Claude Monet

Claude Monet (1840–1926) is considered the father of Impressionism, a revolutionary art movement that transformed the way we see and paint the world. Born in Paris and raised in Le Havre, France, Monet was passionate about capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Rather than focusing on fine details, he painted quick, visible brushstrokes to convey the feeling of a moment.

His iconic works, like Impression, Sunrise (which gave the movement its name), Water Lilies, Haystacks, and Rouen Cathedral series, show his mastery of colour and light. Monet loved painting outdoors (en plein air), observing how the same scene changed with the time of day and weather.

Living in Giverny, he created a beautiful garden that became his lifelong inspiration. The shimmering reflections of his lily pond remain some of the most beloved paintings in art history. Monet’s vision taught the world that art is not about copying reality—it’s about experiencing it. Today, his works hang in the world’s greatest museums, cherished for their timeless beauty and emotional depth.

Jamini Roy – The Pioneer of Modern Indian Folk Art 🎨

Jamini Roy (1887–1972) is one of India’s most iconic modern artists, celebrated for bringing Bengal folk art to the global stage. Born in a small village in West Bengal, he was trained in the Western academic style at the Government College of Art, Calcutta. However, Roy soon turned away from European realism and embraced India’s indigenous artistic traditions.

Inspired by Kalighat Pat paintings, rural Bengal motifs, and ancient temple art, Roy developed a unique style marked by bold outlines, simplified forms, and earthy colours derived from natural pigments. His subjects often depicted scenes from everyday village life, Hindu mythology, and Christian themes — all presented in a flat, decorative, and distinctly Indian manner.

Famous works like Krishna with Gopis, Bride and Two Companions, and Mother and Child reflect his deep connection to Indian culture and spirituality. Roy’s art was a statement of national pride, rejecting colonial influences and celebrating the beauty of Indian folk heritage.

Even today, his works stand as timeless examples of how tradition and modernism can merge to create a truly original art form.

Leonardo da Vinci – The Renaissance Genius 🎨🔬🛠️

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) is celebrated as one of the most brilliant minds in history — a true Renaissance Man who excelled as a painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, inventor, and scientist. Born in the small Tuscan town of Vinci, Italy, Leonardo combined a deep curiosity for the natural world with extraordinary artistic skill, creating timeless works that continue to inspire.

His masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa, famed for its mysterious smile, and The Last Supper, one of the most iconic religious paintings ever created, revolutionised art with their lifelike realism, perspective, and emotional depth. Leonardo perfected techniques like sfumato (soft blending of tones) and chiaroscuro (dramatic light and shadow), influencing generations of artists.

Beyond painting, Leonardo filled his notebooks with visionary designs — flying machines, anatomical studies, hydraulic systems, and futuristic inventions centuries ahead of their time. He believed that art and science were inseparable, and his work reflects a rare harmony between creativity and intellect.

Leonardo’s genius remains a symbol of human potential, showing that imagination and knowledge together can change the world.

Nandalal Bose – The Visionary of Modern Indian Art 🎨🌿📜
Nandalal Bose (1882–1966) is celebrated as one of the pioneering figures of modern Indian art — a true visionary who combined tradition with innovation. Born in Bihar and trained under the legendary Abanindranath Tagore, Bose became a leading force of the Bengal School, reviving India’s artistic identity during the freedom movement.

His works, inspired by Indian mythology, rural life, and nature, reflect simplicity, spiritual depth, and cultural pride. Masterpieces such as Ekalavya and Drona and Sati showcase his ability to blend narrative storytelling with a distinctly Indian aesthetic. Bose’s close association with Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore further shaped his art as a tool of national expression — most famously, he illustrated the original manuscript of the Indian Constitution.

Beyond his paintings, Bose was a mentor and educator, heading Kala Bhavana at Visva-Bharati University, where he nurtured a generation of artists. Often called the “Father of Modern Indian Art,” his legacy bridges classical tradition and modern creativity, making him a timeless icon of India’s cultural renaissance.