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Somnath Hore

While a substantial portion of Somnath Hore’s oeuvre focused on documenting the harsh realities of human suffering, his artistic vision encompassed broader themes, including intimate studies of his immediate environment and works with subtle erotic undertones. His rural upbringing in the Chittagong district, extensive travels through Bengal’s countryside during the Tebhaga movement, and eventual residence in Santiniketan provided him with rich opportunities to observe and interpret the natural world around him. These experiences fostered a deep appreciation for nature that manifested in numerous studies of animals, particularly bovines and dogs, subjects that reflected both his rural sensibilities and keen observational skills. His approach to these animal studies demonstrated the same psychological depth that characterised his human portraits, revealing an artist capable of finding profound meaning in seemingly ordinary subjects.

This particular lithograph exemplifies Hore’s nuanced approach to animal studies. What initially appears to be a simple mirror image of a dog reveals itself, upon closer examination, to contain subtle but significant differences between the two forms. The composition carries distinct erotic undertones, suggesting two dogs positioned intimately above one another, engaged in the primal act of mutual exploration through scent. Their careful investigation of each other speaks to the fundamental animal behavior of determining social and sexual compatibility through olfactory communication. The work transcends mere animal observation, becoming a meditation on instinct, intimacy, and the complex negotiations that govern relationships across species. Through this seemingly simple subject, Hore demonstrates his ability to find profound psychological and emotional resonance in the natural behaviors of creatures, revealing the interconnectedness between human and animal experiences of desire, curiosity, and social bonding.