Who painted Serai at Chatta?

Serai at Chatta was painted by Robert Captain Smith in 1830.

Where can I see Serai at Chatta?

Serai at Chatta is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Serai at Chatta?

Serai at Chatta is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Serai at Chatta

Robert Captain Smith , 1830

Serai at Chatta 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

Serai at Chatta, a pencil drawing from 1830 by Robert Captain Smith, is part of a travel journal series documenting his voyages along the Ganges and visits to Indian cities between 1828 and 1832. The work was refined until 1845.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene riverside scene featuring a prominent, ornate building with arched doorways, domed towers, and a walled courtyard. Everyday life is subtly represented by figures, animals, and trees along the riverbank, conveying a sense of tranquility.

Technique & Style

Smith employed simple, expressive lines and nuanced shading to achieve depth, prioritizing architectural details of the main building. The technique reflects the artist's observational approach, characteristic of travel journal illustrations.

History & Provenance

Created during Smith's Indian posting and finalized after his retirement to Ireland by 1845, the drawing was later donated to the collection by W. M. Biden in 1915. Provenance was fully documented in a 2023 research project.

Context

Part of a larger set of 65 pencil illustrations, this work is a personal, visual record of Smith's experiences traveling through India's major cities and along the Ganges between 1828 and 1832.