Radha and Durg
1890
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1890
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
Radha and Durg is a 1890 paint by Unknown, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows two women standing side by side. The woman on the left wears a purple headscarf and a red dress with gold accents, while the one on the right has a red sari with blue stripes and a gold crown. Both have bold lines, bright colors, and simple shapes—no soft shadows or details. The women’s faces are flat and stylized, with big eyes and strong outlines. Their hands are raised in gestures, like they’re in the middle of a conversation or dance. If you like this style, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more works like it.
This watercolour and tin-alloy painting on paper depicts a scene from the Ramayana featuring Radha and Durga. Produced around 1890, it reflects the Kalighat style that emerged in Calcutta during the 19th century, characterized by bold colors, simplified forms, and quick brushwork. The artwork belongs to a tradition where artists from rural Bengal adapted local mythology and cultural themes under colonial influence. Its creation aligns with the period when Calcutta served as the capital of British India, shaping the artistic and historical context of the work.
Read the full account in the museum source.
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