The Storyteller

The Storyteller is a deeply expressive and intimate painting by Amrita Sher-Gil, often referred to as one of the foundational figures of modern Indian art. Created in her signature Indo-European style, the painting portrays a group of women engaged in a quiet moment of storytelling, seated in a domestic setting.

What sets this work apart is Sher-Gil’s ability to capture the subtle emotional connections between her subjects. With muted colors, soft light, and minimal background details, she draws attention to the expressions, postures, and shared intimacy of the women. The painting speaks to the unseen strength and inner lives of Indian women—an enduring theme in much of her work.