Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by William Carpenter, paint, 1850
Untitled, by William Carpenter, paint, 1850

Untitled is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist William Carpenter. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a painting by William Carpenter depicting a row of shops in Pune's Sadr bazaar, created during his time in India in the 1850s.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows three shops: a liquor store, a money-lender's stall, and a pan vendor, highlighting everyday life and local customs in 19th-century India. Pan, chewed with areca-nut and lime, was a common practice throughout south Asia.

Technique & Style

Carpenter's work is characterized by bright colors and rapid brushstrokes, demonstrating his attention to local attire and daily activities.

History & Provenance

William Carpenter, son of portrait painter Margaret Sarah Carpenter and British Museum curator William Hookham Carpenter, traveled extensively in India from 1850 until his return to England in 1856, painting portraits and landscapes.

A street in Bombay; Ram Lals house
A street in Bombay; Ram Lals house, William Carpenter

Artist & collection

Artist

William Carpenter

William Carpenter (1818–1899) was an English watercolour artist. He travelled for six or seven years in the 1850s painting scenes of India, its people and its life. The Victoria and Albert Museum bought over 280 of his…

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by William Carpenter in 1850.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Patna School of Painting.

Can I buy a print of Untitled?

Museum-quality prints of Untitled are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.