the most comprehensive exhibition of its kind in India, revealing the breadth and richness of Company Paintings, an underexplored genre representing a remarkable moment in Indian art history

In keeping with its commitment to honor the unknown Indian masters commissioned by the East India Company in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, DAG, India’s premier art company, dedicates an exhibition to Company Paintings entirely from the gallery collection. Curated by Giles Tillotson, SVP, DAG, A Treasury of Life: Indian Company Paintings, c. 1790 to 1835 looks at how Indian artists responded to the demands of their patrons, creating entirely new templates of Indian art. With two hundred works of art, it is the largest exhibition in India showcasing the diversity of Company Paintings and artistic brilliance of Indian painters. Opened in collaboration with Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, with a private viewing on 1 December 2025 at Aguad Port & Jail Complex, Goa, it remains on view until 14 January 2026.

Company painting has long existed on the margins of Indian art history—too late to be considered part of the classical court tradition and too early to fit within the narrative of modernism. Yet, A Treasury of Life challenges that perception, proposing Company painting as a crucial prelude to Indian modernism. By showcasing works that blend Indian artistic heritage with Western influences, the exhibition reveals how Indian painters actively engaged with changing patronage, techniques, and visual traditions, making this one of the most dynamic periods in Indian art. It explores three primary categories: natural history, capturing India’s flora and fauna with scientific precision and artistic sensitivity; architecture, documenting historic sites and cityscapes with a striking blend of Indian and European techniques; and Indian manners and customs, portraying traders, artisans, religious figures, and sacred idols in vivid detail. Reflecting the European desire to document an unfamiliar land and the ways in which Indian artists responded with ingenuity, adapting their skills to new formats and audiences, A Treasury of Life underscores the fragility of the worlds they depicted. Whether in the delicate rendering of a now-endangered plant species, the careful documentation of architectural heritage, or the detailed portrayals of social customs, these paintings hold historical value not just as art, but as windows into a past that, in many ways, no longer exists. Beyond botanical studies, Company paintings also provide an unparalleled visual record of India’s natural environment and wildlife, many of which have undergone significant changes over the centuries. These works serve as historical snapshots of a time when India’s diverse ecosystems were still largely intact, offering glimpses of species and landscapes that have since been altered due to urbanisation and environmental changes.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted, ‘A Treasury of Life brings to Goa an extraordinary era of Indian artistic brilliance that deserves national and global attention. Hosting this landmark exhibition reinforces our commitment to elevating Goa as a centre for meaningful, heritage-driven experiences. This exhibition also reflects Goa’s growing role as a host for high-calibre cultural collaborations. It encourages a wider appreciation of the creative spirit that defines India’s artistic legacy.’

Ashish Anand, CEO and MD, DAG, added, “We are delighted to open A Treasury of Life, an extraordinary exhibition of hitherto neglected Company Paintings, to Goa as part of our long-standing commitment to provide a platform for pre-modern and hybrid art practices that laid the foundation for Indian modernism to thrive. Beginning with our sponsorship of Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for the East India Company at the Wallace Collection in 2019—the first significant exhibition on Company Paintings in the UK—DAG has since presented Birds of India, a pioneering exhibition dedicated to the genre, across three Indian cities. A Treasury of Life expands this conversation to highlight the full scope of Company Painting and its significance in the evolution of Indian art.”

Director, Department of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated, ‘This exhibition is a significant addition to Goa’s cultural calendar and strengthens our efforts to promote meaningful tourism rooted in heritage and learning. By bringing an exceptional collection of Company Paintings to Aguad, we are creating opportunities for visitors to experience art as a powerful storyteller of India’s past.’ Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, also commented, ‘A Treasury of Life contributes meaningfully to Goa’s cultural environment and offers visitors an enriching artistic experience. Initiatives like this encourage deeper engagement with heritage and creativity, adding value to the way people explore and connect with Goa.’

VP Operations and Business Development, Aguad Port and Jail Complex, Shri Savio Mathias, said, ‘The launch of A Treasury of Life at Aguad Port and Jail Complex was a truly meaningful occasion for us. Bringing an exhibition of this calibre to Aguad reflects our ongoing.

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