Fig. 03. The "Senior" (top) and "Junior" (bottom) artists in Kovilpatti.

Fig. 05. Devi Arts Studio opening ceremony invitation, 11.02.1946.

Fig. 06. Kovilpatti artist T. S. Subbiah modelling a studio backdrop, circa 1955. The figure on a crescent moon was a feature of popular photo backdrops in early 20th c. Europe and America.

Fig. 25. Matchbox label, early 20th c.

Fig. 07. Ad for “Special Drama” in which the Kovilpatti artists were involved as backdrop painters, actors, musicians and electricians.

Fig. 08. C. Kondiah Raju with his painting in the background, Kovilpatti,1930s.

Fig. 09. Photo of early Kondiah advertising painting (1940’s).

Fig. 10. C. Kondiah Raju at his 60th birthday celebration.

Fig. 11. Lord Murugan, pencil sketch, C. Kondiah Raju, 1970.

Fig. 12. Kondiah and Ramalingam 1950s.

Fig. 13. Beedi ad, C. Kondiahraju-M. Ramalingam. In the 1950s, the Kovilpatti group worked for a broad group of communities (Muslim business people dominated beedi production) and in many languages (in this case, Urdu and Telugu).

Fig. 14. Meenakshi Kalayanam. M. Ramalingam original painting 1970s.

Fig. 15. Lord Murugan, Chithiraalayam-Mu. Ramalingam. Original painting (poster colour) 1975-1985.

Fig. 16. T.S. Subbiah with his teacher Kondiah.