Who painted The Mohorum?

The Mohorum was painted by Robert Captain Smith in 1830.

Where can I see The Mohorum?

The Mohorum is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Mohorum?

The Mohorum is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Mohorum

Robert Captain Smith , 1830

The Mohorum 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

The Mohorum is a pencil drawing depicting a vibrant Muslim Festival of Muharrum scene, characterized by a dense crowd, elephants, camels, and a dramatic, stormy sky. It is one of 65 illustrations from Captain Robert Smith’s travels in Hindustan (1828–1833).

Subject & Meaning

The drawing captures the festivities of Muharrum, showcasing a procession with participants on horseback, musicians, and flag-bearers, set against a backdrop of tall, spired buildings. The scene conveys a sense of orderly commotion, highlighting the diversity of attendees, including soldiers and spectators.

Technique & Style

Executed in quick, sketchy pencil lines, the work emphasizes movement and mood. The prominent, dark sky and dramatic lighting reflect the early 19th-century aesthetic inclination towards emotional and expansive scenes.

History & Provenance

Created during Smith’s Indian travels, the drawing remained part of his unpublished manuscript until his retirement in Ireland (until 1845). It was acquired by the museum in 1915 from W. M. Biden, Hampton-on-Thames.

Context

Part of a broader collection documenting Smith’s journeys along the Ganges and visits to key Indian cities (Cawnpore, Delhi, Agra, Lucknow), The Mohorum offers a glimpse into early 19th-century Hindustan’s cultural and urban landscapes.

Legacy

Now part of a museum collection (acquired 1915), The Mohorum contributes to the historical and artistic record of British observations of Indian festivals during the colonial era.