Court Scene
Rao Bahadur M.V. Dhurandhar
Early 20th century
Watercolour on paper

Renowned artist Mahadev Vishwanath Dhurandhar studied at the Sir J. J. School of Art between 1890 and 1895. He was also the first Indian director (1919-1935) of the School of Art. Particularly skilled with watercolours, Dhurandhar became an illustrator and portraitist of great repute. He depicted his subjects with authenticity and sympathy, creating a unique visual record of contemporary Mumbai (Bombay) that has not been matched in any other city in India.

This painting acquired by the Museum in 1928 depicts a court scene in the theatrical tradition of western history painting.