Who painted The Finding of the Body of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam.?

The Finding of the Body of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam. was painted by John Absolon in 1850.

Where can I see The Finding of the Body of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam.?

The Finding of the Body of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam. is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Finding of the Body of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam.?

The Finding of the Body of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam. is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Finding of the Body of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam.

John Absolon , 1850

The Finding of the Body of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam. is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist John Absolon. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The watercolor presents a nocturnal tableau of soldiers in tricorne hats and kilts gathered around a richly dressed corpse.

About this work

Overview

The watercolor presents a nocturnal tableau of soldiers in tricorne hats and kilts gathered around a richly dressed corpse. Torches cast a stark light that highlights the figure and the surrounding architecture, which includes a gateway and a domed structure reminiscent of the Gumbaz tomb at Seringapatam.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures the moment when troops locate the body of Tipu Sultan, evoking a solemn atmosphere of respect and mourning. The juxtaposition of military attire with the ornate clothing of the deceased underscores the clash of cultures and the gravity of the historical event.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the work employs delicate brushwork and a muted palette that softens the scene while maintaining clarity. Strong chiaroscuro created by torchlight against the darkness adds depth and drama, emphasizing the central figure and the architectural backdrop.

History & Provenance

The image appears to derive from earlier engravings of the same episode, translating printed sources into a painted format. Records indicate that the piece entered the collection of A. Mathews in September 1972, where it has remained documented since its acquisition.