| Medium | : | etching |
|---|---|---|
| Height | : | 10 inch / 25.4 cm |
| Width | : | 7.5 inch / 19.1 cm |
| Dimension | : | W: 19.1 cm × H: 25.4 cm |
A contemplative profile portrait rendered in delicate lines and soft washes, this artwork captures quiet introspection and timeless grace. The serene face is set against a deep, contrasting background, while a bold red motif on the cheek adds a striking focal point, creating a subtle balance between calm elegance and expressive intensity.
Anjolie Ela Menon | Head | Etching on Paper | 10 x 7.5 inches | 2009
This artwork presents a serene profile of a woman rendered in a refined, minimalist style. The figure’s face, shown in side view, is softly modeled with gentle washes of warm yellow and cream, creating a calm, contemplative expression accentuated by closed eyes and delicately drawn features. Flowing, linear strokes define the hair, lending rhythm and movement to the composition, while the dark background intensifies the quiet presence of the face. A striking red, checkered motif on the cheek introduces a bold visual contrast, suggesting an emotional or symbolic mark that interrupts the otherwise tranquil surface. The interplay of muted tones with vivid red and black, combined with the precision of line and texture, gives the work a poetic balance between introspection and visual strength, making the portrait feel both intimate and timeless.
Born in 1940 in West Bengal of mixed Bengali and American parentage, Anjolie Ela Menon was a student of Lawrence School, Lovedale, and by the time she left school at the age of fifteen she had already sold several paintings. After this, she pursued her studies at the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, and then went on to obtain a degree in English literature from Delhi University. During this phase, she was influenced by the works of artists like Modigliani and Indian painters like Amrita Shergil and M.F. Husain. At the age of eighteen Menon showcased her works in much acclaimed solo exhibitions in Delhi and Mumbai.
The French government offered her a scholarship to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where she studied fresco. Menon utilized this time to travel extensively in Europe and West Asia studying Romanesque and Byzantine art before returning home. Her works are a part of significant museum, private and corporate collections across the globe. Though Menon normally prefers to work with oil on masonite, she has also experimented with other media such as glass, acrylic, computers, ceramics and painted junk.
Menon is also a social activist, who supports the education of disadvantaged children. Based on her life and work, a book Anjolie Ela Menon: Paintings in Private Collections has been published and several films have been made on her by Doordarshan and CNN. She has been honoured with the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards in India. She was also awarded the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Letters by the French Government.
She is married to strategic analyst and writer Admiral Raja Menon. They have two sons and four grandchildren.
If you’d prefer the artwork to arrive ready to hang, please get in touch with us to arrange framing and shipping at applicable charges.
Please note: Customs duties and import taxes may apply at your destination in accordance with your country’s regulations. Refer to our International Shipment document for guidance and support.
| Medium | |
|---|---|
| Surface | |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Style |
