Artwork
Patans, who come to India to sell Persian Cats, 1835-1838
Patans, who come to India to sell Persian Cats, 1835-1838 is a watercolor work on paper by the Patna School of Painting artist Godfrey Thomas Vigne. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Patans, who come to India to sell Persian Cats is a watercolour created by Godfrey Thomas Vigne between 1835 and 1838. The piece is one of several sketches in an album, initially part of the India Office Library and Records, later acquired from the artist's great-nephew in 1971.
Subject & Meaning
The watercolour depicts two Patan men accompanied by two Persian Cats, suggesting a scene of trade or interaction between cultures. The subjects' attire and the cats imply a specific geographical and cultural context, likely reflecting Vigne's travels and observations.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the work features soft, dreamy textures characteristic of the medium. The artist's approach contributes to a serene, observational quality, capturing the scene with restrained detail.
History & Provenance
Created during Vigne's travels (documented in his 1840 *A Personal Narrative*), the watercolour was originally part of an album in the India Office Library and Records. It was acquired in 1971 from Henry D'Olier Vigne, the artist's great-nephew.
Context
The work is informed by Vigne's experiences in Afghanistan and India, as detailed in his writings. It may also reflect the broader cultural exchange and observation prevalent during the period, with possible influences from the Romanticism movement.
Artist & collection
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