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One of Thirty-two paintings depicting festivals, ceremonies and occupations.

Unknown

1800

gouache

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Patna School of Painting Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

One of Thirty-two paintings depicting festivals, ceremonies and occupations. is a 1800 gouache by Unknown, a Patna School of Painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1800 · Patna School of Painting
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

A crowded street scene shows people on balconies and rooftops. They watch a Muharram procession pass by. Elephants and camels lead the way, carrying small shrines called ta'ziyas. This painting is one of 32 scenes on mica sheets. It’s painted with gouache, a watercolor-like paint. The artist used thin, layered colors on dark mica. Look up gouache if you want to try this bold, flat style yourself.

The story of this work

Overview

Crowds assemble on streets, balconies, and rooftops to observe a Muharram procession featuring ta'ziyas, elephants, and camels moving through the city. The work is part of a series of thirty-two paintings depicting festivals, ceremonies, and occupations. Acquired in 1948 by W.G. Archer from Patna painter Ishwari Prasad, the set had been preserved by Prasad and his ancestors in Murshidabad as reference models for future works.

Read the full account in the museum source.