Saraswati
1890
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1890
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Saraswati is a 1890 paint by Unknown, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a woman sitting among bright flowers and leaves. She wears a golden crown, a red and orange striped dress, and green sleeves. In her hands, she holds a stringed instrument and a small object shaped like a conch shell. Her face is simple, with dark eyes and a calm expression. The bold colors and flat shapes suggest this might be part of a style called *kalighat*, a type of Indian folk painting. The flowers and leaves around her are exaggerated and colorful, almost like decorations. If you like this style, look up kalighat next to see more paintings like this one.
This work is a watercolour and tin-alloy painting on paper depicting the goddess Saraswati seated on lotuses while playing the sitar. Produced in Calcutta during the late 19th century, it reflects the Kalighat style, known for its bold colours, simplified forms, and rapid brushwork. The painting was donated by M N Varvill in 1955.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Your cart is empty
Explore artworks →
