South Indian Paintings
Join us for a special chance to meet author Anna L. Dallapiccola who’s new book South Indian Paintings has just been published.
The British Museum’s outstanding collection of South Indian paintings features around1000 works which range from the 17th to the 20th century. This is the first publication of the entire collection, and reproduces 250 of the most important works in full colour.
The paintings are grouped according to their topics, which include, deities, pilgrimage sites, castes and natural history drawings, as well as according to the medium on which they were executed – paper, cloth, leather, mica. Among these striking works are several interesting albums such as a set of 91 paintings depicting Hindu mythology, dating from the early decades of the 19th century. More unusual items are the long painted scrolls from Andhra illustrating local mythological narratives, the painted cloths from Tamil Nadu depicting the Ramayana epic, and paintings on paper used by the storytellers of northern Karnataka.
Click here for more information on South Indian Paintings, including samples pages from the inside.
A selection of the paintings is currently on display in Room 2 of the British Museum, until 9 January 2011.
Anna L. Dallapiccola was Professor of Indian Art , University of Heidelberg, Professor of Indian Art, De Montfort University, Leicester and Honorary Professor dept. of Fine art, University of Edinburgh. Her most recent works include Hindu Myths, Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend, and King, Capital and Court (co-authored with CTM Kotraiah).
Author Signing and Late Night Shopping at the British Museum Bookshop
Thursday 5 August, 6-8pm
- 20% off all British Museum Press books on India
- Book signing by Anna L. Dallapiccola
- Enjoy a free glass of wine
- Discover the beautiful South Indian Paintings, on display Room 2
South Indian Paintings Lecture
Thursday 21 October, 6.30-7.30pm
Anna L. Dallapiccola
Stevenson Lecture Theatre, British Museum
Admission £5, Concessions and Members £3
Book Signings on the first Thursday of every month:
- Thursday 2 September 6-8pm: Aileen Dawson, author of English & Irish Delftware: 1570-1840 and The Art of Worcester Porcelain.
- Thursday 7 October 6-8pm: James Robinson, author of Masterpieces of Medieval Art and The Lewis Chessmen and John Cherry, author of The Holy Thorn Reliquary.
- Thursday 4 November 6-8pm: Mavis Pilbeam, author of Haiku: Animals and Birds.
