Balarama
1890
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1890
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Balarama is a 1890 paint by Unknown, a Impressionism work, depicting Kalighat, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a standing figure in bright, flat colors. The person wears a long green skirt with black stripes, a red and orange sash, and a yellow border. Their arms are outstretched, holding a black curved object, and their head is decorated with a red feathered headdress. The background is plain, with just a few floating swirls and a small seated figure at the bottom. The style looks bold and simple, with thick outlines and no shading. This kind of art comes from the *kalighat* tradition, which was popular in India around this time. Look up kalighat to see more paintings like this one.
This watercolour and tin alloy painting on paper depicts Balarama, a Hindu deity, distinguished by a horn. Produced around 1890, it reflects the Kalighat style that emerged in Calcutta during the 19th century, characterized by bold colors, simplified forms, and rapid brushwork. The work was donated by M N Varvill in 1955. Kalighat paintings often portrayed local mythology and societal themes, blending traditional narratives with the cultural shifts of a colonized society.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Your cart is empty
Explore artworks →
