Artwork
Benares
Benares is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Robert Captain Smith. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Benares is a pencil drawing depicting the Indian city of Varanasi as seen from the river. It is one of 65 illustrations from a travel journal kept by Captain Robert Smith during his voyages along the Ganges between 1828 and 1833.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing captures the bustling riverside city, with numerous small buildings, spires, and boats of various sizes. Tiny figures are shown walking along the riverbank and near the water's edge, conveying a sense of daily life and activity.
Technique & Style
The artist rendered the scene in pencil, focusing on the details of the city's architecture and the movement of people and boats. The level of detail suggests an interest in documenting the everyday life of the city's inhabitants.
History & Provenance
The drawing was completed in 1845 and later donated to a collection in 1915. It is part of a larger travel journal that documents Captain Smith's voyages along the Ganges and visits to other Indian cities.
Artist & collection
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