Artwork
Balarama
Balarama is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This painting on paper depicts Balarama, a Hindu deity, created around 1890 using watercolour and tin alloy. The artwork is characterized by its bold and simple style.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is shown standing with outstretched arms, holding a curved object, and wearing a distinctive red feathered headdress and striped green skirt. A small seated figure appears in the background, suggesting a narrative context.
Technique & Style
The painting features flat, bright colors, thick outlines, and rapid brushwork, exemplifying the Kalighat style that emerged in 19th-century Calcutta. This style is marked by simplified forms and a lack of shading.
History & Provenance
The painting was donated to the collection by M N Varvill in 1955.
Context
Kalighat paintings, like this work, often portrayed local mythology and societal themes, reflecting the cultural dynamics of a colonized society.
Artist & collection
