Artwork
Patna
Patna is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Frederick William Alexander De Fabeck. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This painting shows a wide river scene in Patna, India. The water glows in soft pinks and blues under a bright sky. Boats dot the river, small and dark.
The artist painted this in 1888 while working in India’s Medical Service. He used quick brushstrokes to catch light and shadow on the water.
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Overview
Patna is a painting by Frederick William Alexander de Fabeck, created in 1888. It depicts a river scene in Patna, India, featuring a prominent architectural structure.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows the gola or granary at Patna, a storage house for grain built in 1786 by John Garstin. The structure, also known as Golghar, was constructed as a safeguard against famine following the devastating famine of 1770.
Technique & Style
De Fabeck employed quick brushstrokes to capture the effects of light and shadow on the water, rendering the river scene in soft pinks and blues under a bright sky. Boats are depicted as small, dark silhouettes against the luminous water.
History & Provenance
Frederick William Alexander de Fabeck was a surgeon in the Indian Medical Service. The painting is dated to 1888, during his time in India. The work is held in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Frederick William Alexander De Fabeck
Frederick William Alexander De Fabeck painted scenes of crumbling buildings and busy river crossings in India.
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