Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Dip Chand in 1760.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Untitled

Dip Chand , 1760

Untitled is a paint painting by the Rococo painting artist Dip Chand. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1764 portrait depicts a man, likely William Fullerton of Rosemount, in a formal setting, blending European and Indian elements, reflecting his role in the East India Company and adaptation to Indian life.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified by the inscription 'W.F. 1764' as probably William Fullerton, is shown in a pose and with accoutrements (huqqa, rosewater sprinklers, sword, betel nut box) typically associated with Indian royalty, suggesting a conflation of European and Indian noble status.

Technique & Style

Painted by possibly Dip Chand of Murshidabad, the work exemplifies the fusion of Indian artistic traditions with European portraiture, characteristic of colonial-era Indian art. Note: The initial description mistakenly attributes the style to Romanticism, which is incorrect for this colonial Indian context; the actual style reflects a blend of Indian and European influences.

History & Provenance

Created in 1764 for William Fullerton, a collector of paintings, the portrait highlights his significant career in India, including survival of the massacre during the war with Mir Kasim and his adaptation to local customs.

Context

Reflecting the cultural exchange of the time, the painting shows how East India Company officials like Fullerton adopted aspects of Indian life, including language, customs, and possibly maintaining Indian mistresses (bibis), while holding positions of power.