Bhima and Duryodhana
1885
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1885
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Bhima and Duryodhana is a 1885 paint by Unknown, a Impressionism work, depicting Kalighat, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows two men in a tight, dramatic pose. One is shirtless, holding a mirror up to his own face, while the other leans in, gripping his arm. Both wear bright orange pants and simple white armbands. The background is a flat, pale blue, and the figures stand out with bold outlines and flat colors. The scene looks like it’s from a story—maybe a moment of vanity or rivalry. The style matches *kalighat*, a type of Indian painting known for its bold colors and simple shapes. If you like this, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more works like it.
The painting depicts a duel between Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers, and Duryodhana, the eldest son of King Dhritarashtra, using clubs as their weapons. Created in 1885, it is rendered in opaque watercolour on paper, reflecting a style characteristic of Kalighat painting. The work is part of a collection inherited by Miss M Steele and later acquired by its current owner. Kalighat paintings from this period often featured local mythology and conflicts, employing vivid colours, simplified forms, and quick brushstrokes.
Read the full account in the museum source.
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