Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Bengal School was a nationalist art movement that sought to revive traditional Indian styles against the dominance of Western academic realism in the early 20th century.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Abanindranath Tagore is the principal figure and founder of the Bengal School of Art.
He rejected the oil-on-canvas realism of artists like Raja Ravi Varma and instead promoted indigenous techniques inspired by the murals of Ajanta and Mughal/Rajput miniatures.
He is also credited with developing the Wash Technique, a unique watercolor method inspired by Japanese art traditions.
His famous work Bharat Mata became an icon of the Indian independence movement.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Abanindranath Tagore is considered the father of the Bengal School of Art.