Artwork
A military officer of the East India Company
A military officer of the East India Company is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1765 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting depicts a British military officer of the East India Company, created by an Indian artist in the 18th century.
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts a British military officer of the East India Company, created by an Indian artist in the 18th century. It exemplifies the transitional style of Company paintings, blending traditional Indian techniques with European influences.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a stiffly posed British officer in a red coat, positioned beside a river, likely the Bhagirathi in West Bengal. The artwork reflects the cultural exchange and patronage dynamics between British colonizers and Indian artists during this period.
Technique & Style
The painting combines the late Mughal Murshidabad school's techniques with evolving Company painting styles. Notably, the tree's rendition, characterized by soft edges and light colors, demonstrates a direct influence from European watercolour traditions.
History & Provenance
Created in the 1700s for a British patron, this work is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, highlighting its significance in the history of colonial-era art exchange.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
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The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
