Ns Bendre Watercolor Appraisal

Framed Watercolor Painting of an Indian Village Scene by N.S. Bendre

This item is an original watercolor painting on paper, depicted in a landscape orientation and housed within a simple, light-toned wooden frame. The artwork illustrates a bustling Indian street scene or village marketplace, characterized by its vibrant color palette of terracotta, cobalt blue, and golden yellow. The composition features a group of figures in traditional attire gathered in the foreground, two zebu cattle resting to the left under the shade of a tree with stylized red and orange foliage, and a prominent domed architectural structure in the background resembling a mosque or temple. The style is indicative of the mid-20th century Indian modernism, characterized by fluid brushwork and a mastery of light and shadow. A signature, which appears to read 'N.S. Bendre' (Narayan Shridhar Bendre), is visible in the lower right corner, suggesting it is the work of the renowned Indian painter. The physical condition shows some signs of age; the wooden frame has minor surface scuffs and dust accumulation, while the cream-colored matting exhibits slight discoloration at the edges. There is a visible glare on the protective glass cover from overhead lighting, but the painting surface itself appears stable with no immediate signs of foxing or water damage. The craftsmanship displays a high level of technical skill in watercolor application, utilizing both wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques to create depth and texture.