Subject Matter

Three Bullock Carts reflects Sher-Gil's growing interest in depicting scenes of everyday Indian life, especially those involving rural and impoverished communities. This shift was influenced by her experiences and observations during her stay in Saraya, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1938.

Period and Location

The painting is dated to 1938, a period when Sher-Gil was staying at her father’s family home in Saraya. This was a time when she began to focus more on Indian themes and subjects, moving away from her earlier work that was more influenced by European art.

Artistic Transition

This work, along with others like 'Red Clay Elephant' and 'Elephants Bathing in a Green Pool,' marks a transition in Sher-Gil's artistic corpus from landscapes, still-lifes, and portraits to more rural and socially conscious themes. These paintings highlight her fascination with the lives of common people, particularly those living in poverty, and her desire to capture their struggles and beauty.

Artistic Style and Impact

Sher-Gil's paintings from this period, including Three Bullock Carts. are characterized by their somber tones and a sense of melancholy, reflecting her observations of the hardships and social strictures faced by the people she depicted. Her work from this era is seen as a fresh and impactful contribution to Indian modern art, influencing generations of artists.