Artwork
Two birds on a branch
Two birds on a branch 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.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour painting, created in 1880 by Bahadur Lal II, features two birds on a branch. The work is characterized by its simple yet precise depiction of the birds and their surroundings.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows two birds perched on a thin branch, facing opposite directions with one having its beak open. The birds' smooth brown and black feathers are rendered in detail, with a focus on their sharp eyes and textured plumage.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a restrained colour palette and avoided dramatic lighting effects, instead emphasizing the birds' naturalistic appearance. The background, featuring faint hills or clouds, is softly rendered in light beige.
History & Provenance
The painting was later modified by the addition of red mounts and hills in the background, the latter added by Ishwari Prasad's son, 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.
