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Ceremony of mourning in the Imambara, Lucknow

Unknown

1810

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Patna School of Painting Romanticism Early 19th Century Interior

Dominant colour

Ceremony of mourning in the Imambara, Lucknow is a 1810 paint by Unknown, a Patna School of Painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1810 · Patna School of Painting
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a dimly lit room with arched windows and hanging lanterns. A group of people sits on the floor, some resting their heads on their arms, while others stand or lean against the walls. A man in the center holds a staff, and a small dome-shaped structure appears in the background. The scene looks quiet and somber, like a gathering for a serious occasion. The lighting is soft, with shadows adding depth to the space. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this painting in person.

The story of this work

Overview

The artwork depicts the Ashura mourning ceremony for Hasan and Husain held in the Imambara in Lucknow, rendered in watercolour as part of a 49-painting series titled *Views in India*. Acquired from Mr. T. Toon of Leicester Square on 4 March 1887 for £50, the volume’s provenance is documented in the museum’s Asia Department registers and Central Inventory following a 2023 provenance research project.

Read the full account in the museum source.