London: The British government has imposed a temporary export ban on a painting by Anglo-Hungarian painter Philip de Lazlo of two Indian soldiers who took part in the First World War, to prevent it from being taken out of the country. The UK government has imposed this ban to give time to an institution in the country to buy this “magnificent and sensitive” picture. The painting, worth around Rs 6.5 crore, depicts cavalry officers Risaldar Jagat Singh and Risaldar Man Singh, who were junior commanders in the Expeditionary Force of the British-Indian Army who served in the Battle of the Somme in France. It is believed that both attained martyrdom during the war itself.
This picture is quite rare, which shows the active participation of Indians in the First World War. The UK’s Minister for Arts and Heritage, Lord Stephen Parkinson, said that ‘this magnificent and sensitive painting captures an important moment in our history, when troops were brought in from around the world to help fight the First World War.’ , that ‘I hope this magnificent picture remains in the UK to help tell the story of the brave soldiers and their contribution.’
Around 1.5 million Indian soldiers were deployed during World War I and according to records, the two soldiers in the picture sat in front of Philippe de Lazlo in London two months before they were sent to France to fight, so that he could paint their images on canvas. But can engrave. De Lazlo is believed to have made this painting for his own collection and it was kept in his studio until his death in 1937. The UK government has banned the export of this picture on the advice of a committee. The committee has made this recommendation on the basis of the importance of studying the contribution of Indians in the war.
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