Important Notice

Amongst the themes Dhanraj Bhagat explored through his sculptural practice was that of the ruler or 'monarch' as a representative of man's responsibilities. In this series of sculptures, largely executed in wood combined with copper or brass, "The King (sometimes called Monarch) is both a martyr who is crowned and nailed and also drinks the cup of bitters - a chalice embossed, studded and ritualistic. These wood sculptures which are roughly hewn... Amongst the themes Dhanraj Bhagat explored through his sculptural practice was that of the ruler or 'monarch' as a representative of man's responsibilities. In this series of sculptures, largely executed in wood combined with copper or brass, "The King (sometimes called Monarch) is both a martyr who is crowned and nailed and also drinks the cup of bitters - a chalice embossed, studded and ritualistic. These wood sculptures which are roughly hewn and crudely inlaid (deliberately), with brass plates and cobbler's tacks, are designed to be seen. The workmanship - in this case the labour expended in chiseling, rasping, nailing, etc. - is not disguised as Bhagat wants the material to make its impression. He succeeds admirably. These sculptures are naked and we see them vividly with the exploring eye...Section sits upon section inevitably and the whole aspires upwards like a totem that looks solitary, still and silent. Simple as structures, they are also the most enigmatic" (Richard Bartholomew, "Vivid Metal and Wood Sculptures by Dhanraj Bhagat", The Times of India, 1 October 1966).

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