Who painted Religious ceremony at Allahabad?

Religious ceremony at Allahabad was painted by Robert Captain Smith in 1830.

Where can I see Religious ceremony at Allahabad?

Religious ceremony at Allahabad is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Religious ceremony at Allahabad?

Religious ceremony at Allahabad is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Religious ceremony at Allahabad

Robert Captain Smith , 1830

Religious ceremony at Allahabad is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Robert Captain Smith. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This pencil drawing depicts a serene religious ceremony at Allahabad, created by Captain Robert Smith between 1828 and 1833 during his travels in Hindustan. It is one of 65 illustrations from his unpublished travel journal, documenting his journeys along the Ganges and visits to key Indian cities.

Subject & Meaning

The scene focuses on two figures: one standing waist-deep in water with hands clasped, and another bare-chested on a raft, holding a long pole. The simplicity of the drawing suggests a contemplative, personal portrayal of a religious moment, set against faintly drawn tents and ships on the shore.

Technique & Style

Executed with light pencil strokes, the drawing conveys texture and subtle movement, reflecting Smith's observational approach. The understated composition emphasizes the serene atmosphere of the ceremony.

History & Provenance

Completed in Ireland by 1845 after Smith's retirement from the 44th Regiment, the drawing was later acquired by the museum in 1915 from W. M. Biden of Hampton-on-Thames, as part of Smith's travel journal illustrations.

Context

Part of a broader collection chronicling Smith's Hindustan travels, this work provides a 19th-century European officer's perspective on Indian religious practices and landscapes, alongside his visits to major cities like Delhi, Agra, and Lucknow.