Artwork
An album containing fifty-three drawings depicting occupations.
An album containing fifty-three drawings depicting occupations. is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This painting is one of fifty-three in an album illustrating various occupations, created by an Indian artist for a European audience in the Indian subcontinent. The specific scene depicts a painter at work.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork showcases a painter in action, reflecting the documentary aspect of the album, which cataloged diverse professions and activities for European patrons, likely employees of the East India Company.
Technique & Style
The painting exemplifies the 'Company painting' style, characterized by a blend of traditional Indian artistic elements with Western techniques, notably the use of chiaroscuro to achieve depth and volume.
History & Provenance
Produced for European consumption in India, the album's paintings could be either specially commissioned or mass-produced for market sale, though specific details on this work's origin are not provided.
Context
Created during the period of British presence in India, these artworks facilitated cultural exchange, with bilingual labels (Urdu and English) catering to both local and foreign interests.
Legacy
As part of the Company painting tradition, this work contributes to the historical record of occupational life in 19th-century India and the artistic fusion of Eastern and Western styles during the colonial era.
Artist & collection
