Leaf from a Kalighat album: Jatayu hinders Ravana’s chariot trying to prevent Sita’s abduction (recto); Battle Scene at Kurukshetra from the Mahabharata War (verso)

1890

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century History Painting Bengal Kalighat Kolkata

Dominant colour

Leaf from a Kalighat album: Jatayu hinders Ravana’s chariot trying to prevent Sita’s abduction (recto); Battle Scene at Kurukshetra from the Mahabharata War (verso) is a 1890 by Shri Gobinda Chandra Roy, a Impressionism work, depicting Bengal, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Shri Gobinda Chandra Roy
When & what style?: 1890 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting shows two scenes. On the left, a bird with large wings and a long tail faces right. Above the bird, a chariot with a domed roof and a figure inside is being pulled by a man on the left. On the right, a battle scene with many figures in various poses, some holding weapons. The background is a light color with some darker areas. The painting is done in a style that blends realism with impressionism, with bold lines and vivid colors. The artist has used chiaroscuro to create depth and contrast in the scenes. If you like this painting, you might also enjoy learning about the artist Shri Gobinda Chandra Roy.