Artwork
A pair of Brahminy ducks
A pair of Brahminy ducks is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1598 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a tranquil scene of two Brahminy ducks strolling beside a shallow pond.
About this work
History & Provenance
The piece is currently held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 2013.
The painting titled A pair of Brahminy ducks was created in 1595 within the Mughal Empire. The specific artist responsible for the work remains unknown. The piece is currently held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 2013.299.
No further details regarding the original commission, specific patron, or the chain of ownership prior to its acquisition by the museum are provided in the available records.
A pair of Brahminy ducks is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it forms part of the museum's collection. The work is catalogued under the accession number 2013.299, which is also referenced in the Wikidata description for the painting. Created in 1595 within the Mughal Empire, the painting entered the Cleveland Museum of Art's holdings, though the sources do not specify the year or circumstances of its acquisition. No exhibition history is recorded in the available sources.
Overview
The work depicts a tranquil scene of two Brahminy ducks strolling beside a shallow pond. The birds, rendered in brown and white plumage with black beaks and legs, occupy the foreground, while a sparse, sandy landscape dotted with modest green foliage and scattered blossoms forms the backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on the everyday activity of the ducks, emphasizing their calm movement and interaction with the water’s edge. The inclusion of lily pads and floating flowers suggests a gentle, natural setting, inviting contemplation of simple rural life.
Technique & Style
The artist employs flat, uniform washes of color for the ducks’ feathers, avoiding chiaroscuro or modeling. The background and pond are similarly treated with smooth, unmodulated tones, creating a decorative surface that prioritizes pattern over three‑dimensional illusion.
Context
Works featuring domestic or waterfowl subjects were common in certain regional schools, reflecting an interest in everyday fauna and landscape. The simplified treatment aligns with a decorative aesthetic prevalent in some 19th‑century traditions.
Artist & collection
