Artwork
The Bull Nandi in the courtyard of the Golden Temple, Benares
The Bull Nandi in the courtyard of the Golden Temple, Benares is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist William Simpson. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The Bull Nandi in the courtyard of the Golden Temple, Benares is a painting. It was created by William Simpson in 1866.
Simpson was a watercolourist and war artist who travelled widely in India. He made detailed drawings and journals of the sites he visited.
To learn more about the style and techniques used in this painting, look up the movement: Realism.
Overview
The Bull Nandi in the courtyard of the Golden Temple, Benares is a watercolour painting by William Simpson, created in 1866. It depicts a sculpture of the sacred bull-calf Nandi in a temple courtyard.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows Nandi, a revered figure in Hinduism, situated in the courtyard of the Golden Temple in Benares (Varanasi). The subject reflects Simpson's interest in documenting significant cultural and religious sites during his travels in India.
Technique & Style
Simpson's work is characterized by detailed drawings and highly coloured interpretations. The painting is likely influenced by Realism, a style that emphasizes accurate representation of subjects.
History & Provenance
Simpson travelled to India in 1859, commissioned by Day and Sons to sketch sites related to the Indian Revolt of 1857. He visited Benares and stayed at the Golden Temple for three days, later completing the painting in London.
Artist & collection
The Mosque of Aurangzeb and Panchganga Ghat from the Ganges, Benares.
Untitled
Akal Boonga at the Golden temple. Umritsar. Punjaub
Tomb of Shams ud-Din Iltutmish at the Qutub Minar, Delhi
Iron Laht at the Kootub, Old Delhi
Rameshwar cave, Ellora
Taxali Darwaza, Lahore
Mermaid gate, Kaiserbagh, Lucknow
Gate of Purana Qila, Old Delhi
Hindu bairagis preparing for a festival outside a shrine