Artwork

Watercarrier in the Feast of Mohurrum

Watercarrier in the Feast of Mohurrum, by Unknown, paint, 1826
Watercarrier in the Feast of Mohurrum, by Unknown, paint, 1826

Watercarrier in the Feast of Mohurrum is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting depicts a watercarrier participating in the Feast of Mohurrum, distinguished by vibrant colors and symbolic elements.

About this work

Overview

This painting depicts a watercarrier participating in the Feast of Mohurrum, distinguished by vibrant colors and symbolic elements. The scene contrasts the watercarrier's festive attire with everyday activities, highlighting the occasion's significance.

Subject & Meaning

The watercarrier, barefoot and adorned in a striped skirt and hat, carries a blue Mohurrum flag and offers water from a pole-mounted bucket to a nearby figure, emphasizing communal celebration and provision. The woman's observant stance underscores social interaction within the festival context.

Technique & Style

Executed in bright, contrasting colors (notably green, red, and blue), the work features a serene background of a river, palm trees, and huts, juxtaposing the watercarrier's dynamic pose with a calm environment.

History & Provenance

One of 35 drawings in a series documenting various occupations, this painting is part of a collection highlighting Indian trades and festivals, now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Context

The Feast of Mohurrum, a significant festival, is the backdrop for this scene, with the watercarrier's flag and attire signifying religious and cultural observance rather than daily routine.

Legacy

As part of a broader series on Indian occupations and festivals, this work contributes to a visual archive of 19th-century Indian life, accessible through the Victoria and Albert Museum's holdings.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known