Forum Pakistan

Chughtai, Abdur Rehman (1894-1975) Artist.
A celebrated exponent of the New Bengal School, was among the leading painters of Lahore at the time of the Partition in 1947. Chughtai began his painting career in 1916 and got early recognition in various parts of India. In keeping with the revivalist spirit of the New Bengal School he ought inspiration from the *Mughal Miniature and the 'Naqsh' or patterns of the Islamic decorative arts. His themes borrowed from popular folklore, Hindu Mythology and Islamic epic.
Chughtai had a di tinctive style of painting. The elongated elegant human figure is always central to his work, which he portrayed in a linear iconography with a soft wash resulting in an ethereal ambience. In soft, clear tones, emerged exquisite details of costume, jewellery, architecture, landscape, flora and fauna.
Chughtai's work echoed the creative sensibilities of his people. In Muraq-i-Chughtai and Amal-i- Chughtai, hi famous illustrations of the verses of *Ghalib and *Iqbal, he gave a contemporary interpretation to the classical tradition of Persian painting.