M F Pithawala was born in Pitha, Gujarat in 1888. He studied under the guidance of Principal John Griffiths and Chiranjilal from J.J. School of Art, Bombay and also studied at the British Academy in Rome. Pithawala portrayed the lives and likenesses of his patrons, the aristocracy and haute bourgeoisie. At a deeper level, his portraiture enshrined the values of this elite, comprising merchant-princes, lawyers, landowners and their ladies.

Through his works he focused on detail rendering of the expressions and gestures, the fall of light on their rich but discreet clothes, the gleam of wood panelling, the exquisite highlights.