Artwork
Three Brahmin couples
Three Brahmin couples is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting depicts five figures, three women and two men, standing in a line, dressed in traditional South Asian attire.
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts five figures, three women and two men, standing in a line, dressed in traditional South Asian attire. The artwork is part of a larger series of illustrations documenting various castes, occupations, and cultural practices.
Subject & Meaning
The figures are likely representatives of Tamil Brahmin couples from the early 19th century, with labels written in a South Asian script possibly identifying their names or roles.
Technique & Style
The painting features bright, vivid colors, including reds, blues, and golds, against a plain background. The figures wear intricately depicted clothing and jewelry, suggesting a focus on documenting traditional dress.
Context
The artwork was originally part of a larger volume of thirty folios illustrating various aspects of South Asian culture, including castes, occupations, and processions.
Artist & collection
- Three artisan couples
Three couples
Three textile craftsmen and their wives
A Brahmin story-teller and his wife
A Brahmin and his wife
Three religious mendicant couples
A Brahmin and his wife
A low caste couple
A Brahmin messenger and his wife
A couple from Kanara
Gods and Brahmins Worshipping Durga, from the Bhagavata Purana (3 of 3)