Contemporary Artists Inspired by Cricket
The game of cricket has always been a heated affair. It is not just about the skills, but also persistence and resilience. Cricket has now gained notoriety like no other. Hence, it is hard to imagine that the game developed during the 16th century, with shady rules. It developed in England from where it proliferated to the entire world. Since its beginning, especially with its popularity with the English bourgeoisie, the game and the portraitures have led to numerous contemporary artists inspired by cricket.
However, one question still lingers – who portrayed cricket when it first happened in India? Or rather, who depicted the first cricket match in India?
Why is Thomas Daniell’s Artwork Important
To answer this question, Thomas Daniell painted the first cricket match in India. Or atleast, it is the earliest known artwork depicting the game in India, which was produced in the late 18th century in 1792. This oil on canvas painting captures the spirit of the sport within a vibrant Indian landscape, answering to the cultural significance of cricket in art. It also demonstrated Daniell’s skill in blending British customs with Indian cultural influences.
Daniell’s painting is a lesson in cricket art history and symbolism, especially in India. It offers a rare insight into the formative years of cricket, highlighting the cultural interactions and leisure activities of the British colonial period. The painting was made in Chennai, but funnily enough, all the characters in the painting are British officers, with no ‘inferior’ Indian man in sight. The location of the painting is considered to be Madras’s sole cricket ground at the time, The Island.
Thomas Daniell’s painting illustrates a cricket game taking place amid the lush greenery. In the foreground, players are actively participating in the match. The fielders are clad in colourful trousers while the scorer sits comfortably to the side. The bowler is ready to deliver the ball, with the batsman anticipating the delivery. The fielders on the other hand are vigilant. A cow meanders leisurely in the front of the field, and to the left, near a group of trees, a tent likely serving as the pavilion is visible. The broad sky, painted in soft tones, creates a characteristic atmospheric background typical of Daniell’s work.
Who Were the Danielles
Thomas Daniell and his nephew William have significantly contributed to the documentation of India’s landscapes, architecture, and people. Their extensive tour of India, during which the painting was executed lasted from 1786 to 1793. Through their work, the British had a window into the cultural significance of cricket in art, as well as the Indian way of life. Their seven-year stint explored the ‘oriental’ regions in greater depth than ever before.
Where is ‘Cricket Match in India’ Now?
Touted as a rare piece amongst the famous cricket-themed paintings and sculptures, the piece was last seen in December’s ‘Historic Masterpieces’ auction at AstaGuru. At the time, the painting was valued at Rs 7,00,00,000 – 9,00,00,000 ($864,198 – 1,111,111). Kiran Nadar acquired the painting for a whopping Rs 8,65,13,175.
According to Sneha Gautam, senior vice president of AstaGuru, “This painting by Thomas Daniell is a monumental piece of art that not only reflects the evolving cultural fabric of India during the 18th century but also celebrates the country’s love for cricket, a sport that has become an integral part of its identity.”
Image – Thomas Daniell, Cricket Match in India (1792). Courtesy – Mint
Contributor
