Who painted Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib?

Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib was painted by David RA Wilkie in 1805.

Where can I see Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib?

Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib?

Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib?

Museum-quality prints of Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib

David RA Wilkie , 1805

Finding the body of Tippoo Sahib is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist David RA Wilkie. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Sir David Wilkie’s watercolor and crayon composition records the moment when the body of Tipu Sultan was found after the 1799 Siege of Seringapatam. The work captures a solemn gathering of figures surrounding the fallen ruler, emphasizing the gravity of the event.

Subject & Meaning

The central focus is the lifeless form of Tipu Sultan, attended by several onlookers who lean in with expressions of grief and reverence. The scene conveys a collective acknowledgment of loss, reflecting the British perspective on the conclusion of the Mysore conflict.

Technique & Style

Wilkie combines watercolor washes with crayon detailing, employing a restrained palette of browns and beiges. Subtle chiaroscuro creates a contrast between illuminated faces and shadowed surroundings, enhancing the drama without resorting to vivid coloration.

History & Provenance

Created shortly after the siege, the piece was likely produced for a British audience interested in the recent Indian campaign. Its provenance traces back to private collections before entering a museum context, where it serves as a visual document of the period.

Context

The work belongs to a broader tradition of British artists documenting colonial wars. By portraying the aftermath of Seringapatam, Wilkie contributes to the visual narrative that framed the British victory and the demise of a prominent Indian ruler.