Artwork
A 'maina'
A 'maina' is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Bahadur Lal II. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour painting depicts a maina bird perched on a branch, set against a softly blurred background.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour painting depicts a maina bird perched on a branch, set against a softly blurred background.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork focuses on the bird, capturing its vitality through delicate brushwork. It is not a narrative or portrait piece, instead presenting an intimate, observational study.
Technique & Style
The painting features light brush strokes that convey the bird's plumage, while the background is rendered in a soft, blurred manner, creating a sense of proximity.
History & Provenance
The original watercolour was later augmented with red mounts and hills by the artist's son, Ishwari Prasad, who worked as a mounter and restorer for P.C. Manuk.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bahadur Lal II was a meticulous observer who kept a small studio near Chandni Chowk’s noisy spice markets, where he’d sketch birds between commissions.
Enicurus Maculatus (Spotted Forktail)
Green magpie
Hypsipetes Psaroides (Black Bulbul)
Enicurus Scouleri (Little Forktail)
Depictions of a Indian fruit-bat and Pied crested cuckoo of Northern India
The Purple Jack Daw (Gracula Quiscula)
Fugl
Needle-Tailed Swift (Hirundapus caudaculus)
The Purple Jack Daw (Gracula Quiscula)
Purple-rumped sun bird
A baby 'maina'