Forgotten Masters Exhibition at Wallace Collection Reclaims Indian Artists of East India Company Era

The Wallace Collection in London is showcasing 'Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for the East India Company,' curated by William Dalrymple, until 13 September. This exhibition highlights the contributions of Indian artists who worked under British patronage from 1770 to 1840, emphasizing collaboration rather than exploitation. It includes previously unrecognized pieces, such as botanical illustrations from Kew archives by Claude Martin. Featured artists are Yellapah of Vellore, Shaikh Muhammad Amir, Sita Ram, and Ghulam Ali Khan. Their works, created for British patrons, merge Mughal styles with European elements. Dalrymple advocates for the acknowledgment of these artists in Indian art history. This event follows B. N. Goswamy's 2011 exhibition and is the first in Britain for these artists, with plans for a potential showing in India.