The neo-Bengal mode of painting which was founded by Abanindranath and patronized by Havell, was never accepted universally. Havell emphasized more on the conventional Indian style in the Art School than the European art form. This kicked off a lot of controversy and faced stiff opposition. Ranada Prasad Gupta, a senior student of the Art School, founded the 'Jubilee Art Academy' in 1897 to retain and popularize the occidental form of art. Notable artistes like Hemendra Nath Mazumder, Atul Chandra Basu, Basanta Kumar Gangopaddhaya, Prahlad Chandra Karmakar etc. were students of this institution. Among them, the most illustrious artistes of the occidental mode of painting were Hemendra Nath Mazumder, Atul Chandra Basu and Prahlad Chandra Karmakar. Hemendra Nath had mastered the art of oil-painting. He was quite adept in making portraits. Another quality which made him famous and stand out from the others was his ability to make animated paintings of feminine structures.
Atul Chandra Basu won fame and recognition as a unique artiste for making exquisite images and portraits. He was invited to the Buckingham Palace in England and was devolved with the prestigious task of making a painting of the royal family from a photograph. However, he was more inclined to make paintings of the indigent working classes. Prahlad Chandra showed his dexterity in creating a mystic atmosphere in his paintings. He was unparalleled in making twilight sequences. He was awarded for such a mystic painting in an exhibition held in America. His remarkable painting 'Muharram in Calcutta' was made in the terminal phase of his life and created a sensation among the connoisseurs of art.