Who painted A milkman and his wife?

A milkman and his wife was painted by Unknown in 1770.

Where can I see A milkman and his wife?

A milkman and his wife is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is A milkman and his wife?

A milkman and his wife is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

A milkman and his wife

Unknown , 1770

A milkman and his wife is a paint painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

A painting depicting a milkman and his wife, one of thirty-six works illustrating various castes and occupations in South India. Characterized by a red border, fluffy cloud strip at the top, and heavy shadows at the figures' feet, set against a dark green ground.

Subject & Meaning

The scene portrays a milkman and his wife standing together, identified by their trade attributes: the man holds a brass pot, while the woman carries a basket of milk. Their attire appears worn yet clean, suggesting a humble yet dignified livelihood.

Technique & Style

Executed with distinctive compositional elements common to the series, including the red border, cloud motif, and looped shadows. The style, however, may vary as part of a larger set created by possibly three different artists, distinguishable by background colors (yellow, deep blue, green/blue) and figure detailing.

History & Provenance

Originally part of an album with a 1799 J. Ruse watermark and a bookplate bearing Joseph Whatley's name and the motto 'Pelle Timorem'. Now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Context

Created as part of a series documenting South Indian trades and castes, reflecting 18th-century interest in cataloging occupations and social hierarchies of the region.

Legacy

Contributes to the historical record of South Indian life and trades during the late 18th century, preserved within a prominent cultural institution.