Amrita Sher-Gil (1913-1941) was of Hungarian-Indian descent. Her father, Umrao Singh Sher-Gil, was a Sikh aristocrat, and her mother, Marie Antoinette Gottesmann, was a Hungarian-Jewish opera singer. Amrita studied art in Europe, and her exposure to Western art greatly influenced her style. Despite finding success in Europe, Amrita felt a deep connection to India and returned to the country in the 1930s, and her time in the country had a profound impact on her artistic direction.
Her style blended European techniques with an Indian sensibility, emphasizing realism and capturing the emotional depth of her subjects. She was known for her portraits, including those of her family members and herself. Notable works include “Young Girls” and “Group of Three Girls.” Sher-Gil’s representations of women challenged traditional norms. She portrayed women with agency and complexity, breaking away from stereotypical depictions.
She passed away on December 5, 1941, at the young age of 28.
