Artwork
View near Bandell, India

View near Bandell, India is a watercolor work on paper by the Baroque artist Thomas RA Daniell. It dates from 1749 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a watercolor portraying a quiet riverside locale identified as being near Bandell, India.
About this work
Overview
The work is a watercolor portraying a quiet riverside locale identified as being near Bandell, India. An inscription on the mount reads “Near Bandell, opposite side of the River,” while the reverse side bears the notation “N.41 Opposite Bandell.” The composition centers on a modest structure with a dome and flagpole, set amid trees under a cloudy sky.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures a tranquil stretch of water with a small building positioned centrally, suggesting a place of local significance such as a pavilion or shrine. Figures stand on the left bank, hinting at human activity within an otherwise serene natural setting, while the surrounding foliage and sky convey a sense of quiet observation of the landscape.
Technique & Style
Executed in muted watercolor tones, the piece relies on soft, layered brushstrokes that blend sky, water, and foliage into a harmonious whole. Delicate washes convey atmospheric depth, while finer details—such as the dome’s outline and the texture of the trees—are rendered with precise, controlled strokes, creating subtle contrast without harsh chiaroscuro.
History & Provenance
The artwork is catalogued with the reference number N.41, indicating its place within a series of Indian landscape studies. The labeling of the mount and verso suggests it was part of a documented collection, likely compiled by a European observer or traveler documenting Indian scenery during the period of early 19th‑century exploration.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Daniell turned his brush toward India’s landscapes and buildings, painting watercolors that capture the country’s skies, villages, and hills in the late 1700s and early 1800s.












