April 27 - June 29, 2024 | 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

People of Bengal: Coloured Etchings by F. Baltazard Solvyns

A DAG exhibition from a complete set of the Paris edition of the artist’s etchings.

Solvyns (1760-1824) was a Flemish artist who documented the people and material culture that he encountered over the decade he lived in Bengal during the 1790s. The exhibition showcases over hundred rare etchings by the artist from his work titled 'Les Hindoûs', a second edition, four-volume set published in Paris between 1808 and 1812.

The Museum's collection also includes two volumes of this work which were an important source of inspiration for some of the clay figurines that were created for the Museum in the early 20th century. This exhibition, both intimate and encyclopaedic at the same time, is an attempt to present the series as an ethnographic as well as a creative exercise.

Free walkthroughs of the exhibition every Saturday and Sunday (except certain public holidays) at 11:30 am in English and 12:30 pm in Marathi/Hindi.

The Museum offers a rich selection of learning and outreach programmes focused on providing stimulating, participatory experiences that respond to different age, interest and language groups, and recognize a diversity of backgrounds. These experiences are aimed at creatively engaging with the Museum’s collection of artworks and exhibitions, encouraging critical engagement with Mumbai’s history, and artistic and cultural developments.

Going forward, the Museum will continue to offer online as well as select on-site programmes.

Playlists on Spotify

BDL Museum is now on Spotify!

Ragamalas

Tune into our curated playlist inspired by the BDL Museum's collection of Ragamala miniature paintings! The Ragamalas in the Museum’s collection are from the Jaipur school of miniatures. Ragamala, meaning 'garland of ragas', is a set of miniature paintings that depict personified ragas of Indian classical music. A raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music with symbolic associations such as seasons, time, and mood. It is meant to evoke certain emotions among the listeners. Ragas also provide room for improvisation to musicians and singers.

The playlist features some of the most celebrated artists in Indian classical music. It begins with spirited morning ragas, progressing into soulful evening ragas.