Artwork
Hanuman, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana
Hanuman, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work portrays the Hindu deity Hanuman prostrate before the royal trio of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.
About this work
Overview
The work portrays the Hindu deity Hanuman prostrate before the royal trio of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The figures are gathered beneath a vivid red canopy, with a black dog curled at their feet. The composition is rendered in bright, flat colors that emphasize the narrative moment without background detail.
Subject & Meaning
Hanuman’s humble posture reflects his devotion to Rama, a central theme in the Ramayana. By placing the monkey‑god at the foreground of the royal family, the image underscores the virtues of loyalty and service that are celebrated in Hindu tradition.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolor combined with tin alloy pigments on paper, the painting exemplifies the Kalighat school of Bengal folk art. The style is marked by bold outlines, simplified forms and a saturated palette, characteristics that were popular in 19th‑century devotional prints.
History & Provenance
Created in 1885 by an unidentified hand, the piece entered the collection of Ernest H. Hindley of Lightcliffe, Shepherd’s Hill, Highgate, N. It was documented in a 2023 provenance research project, confirming its acquisition history and situating it within the museum’s holdings.
Artist & collection
