In recent years, the distinctive oeuvre of Nathdwara paintings has emerged as a subject of deep study. Different facets of this body of work are being looked at —be it the use of colour and detailing, the mood of the paintings or the spiritual philosophy underlying them. And interestingly, the two most comprehensive books on the subject—the Shringara of Shrinathji (2022) and Colours of Devotion (2023)—look at the paintings from a personal lens.
The former, a limited edition book, was conceptualized by designer Vikram Goyal, and looked at the evolution of the Nathdwara painting from the lens of Gokal Lal Mehta’s family collection. Shringara of Shrinathji featured vibrant reproductions of 60 miniature paintings,