DAG, India’s leading art company, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, will open the country’s most comprehensive exhibition of Company Paintings at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex from 1 December 2025 to 14 January 2026. Titled “A Treasury of Life: Indian Company Paintings, c. 1790 to 1835,” this landmark show presents 200 works by Indian artists commissioned by the East India Company in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, making it the largest such showcase in India to date .
Exhibition Highlights
Curated by Giles Tillotson, SVP at DAG, the exhibition explores Company Paintings under three main categories: natural history, architecture, and Indian manners and customs. Visitors will encounter scientifically precise depictions of plants and animals, striking architectural studies, and vivid portrayals of daily life, reflecting both indigenous artistry and European influences. Recognised painters such as Sita Ram, Sewak Ram, and Chuni Lal are featured alongside works by James Forbes, F.B. Solvyns, and Charles Gold, illustrating the rich interplay between Indian artists and their Western patrons during this period .
Image 1 : Unidentified Artist (Company School) A Sloth and a Jackall | Watercolour and ink on paper, c. 1821
Image 2: Madras Artist (Company school) Poussazy, Desservant du Temple de Mariatalle Deésse de la petite Vérole [Pujari of the Mariamman Temple] Opaque watercolour on paper, c. 1800
Cultural Significance
“A Treasury of Life” positions Company painting as a dynamic precursor to Indian modernism, challenging historical perceptions and underscoring the genre’s importance in the evolution of Indian art. The exhibition highlights how local artists responded to new audiences and techniques, creating visual records of social customs, architecture, and the natural environment—many elements of which have since transformed due to urbanisation and environmental shifts .
Venue and Collaboration
The historic Aguad Port & Jail Complex, renowned for its layered heritage as a Portuguese fort, port, and former jail, serves as an evocative setting for the exhibition. Its transformation into a major cultural destination has included hosting museums, exhibitions, performances, and international events. The collaboration with DAG aligns with Goa’s strategy to promote heritage-led tourism and position the state as a centre for meaningful cultural engagement beyond its famed beaches .
About DAG
Founded in 1993, DAG has played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting Indian art through landmark exhibitions, museum partnerships, and a broad publishing programme. With galleries in Mumbai, New Delhi, and New York, DAG is recognized for its commitment to restoring the legacies of Indian artists and curating important historical and contemporary art showcases.
Cover Image: Unidentified Artist (Company School) Asian Fairy Bluebird (Irena puella) Opaque watercolour on paper, c. 1810 | Images courtesy – DAG
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
