Who painted Aswatthaman and Duryodhana?

Aswatthaman and Duryodhana was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Aswatthaman and Duryodhana?

Aswatthaman and Duryodhana is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Aswatthaman and Duryodhana?

Aswatthaman and Duryodhana is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Aswatthaman and Duryodhana

Unknown , 1890

Aswatthaman and Duryodhana is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created in 1890, this watercolor and tin‑alloy work on cardboard portrays a dramatic episode from the Mahabharata.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1890, this watercolor and tin‑alloy work on cardboard portrays a dramatic episode from the Mahabharata. The composition shows the warrior Aswatthaman presenting a sack of five severed heads to the Kaurava prince Duryodhana, indicating the death of the five Pandava brothers.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures a moment of triumph and horror: Aswatthaman, a fearsome figure in Indian epic lore, displays the heads as proof of his lethal vengeance, while Duryodhana kneels in a gesture of reception. The narrative underscores themes of loyalty, retribution, and the tragic costs of war within the epic.

Technique & Style

Executed with watercolor pigments and tin‑alloy accents, the artist employs bold outlines and vivid hues typical of late‑19th‑century Indian illustrative traditions. The figures are dressed in period costume—black jacket with silver buttons, a red‑orange sash, and a plume‑topped turban for Aswatthaman; an orange tunic with silver dots for Duryodhana—rendered against a plain off‑white background with faint script in the corner.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it remains part of the museum’s holdings of South Asian art. Its acquisition date and prior ownership are not recorded in the available documentation.

Context

The work reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with Indian mythology and the broader trend of documenting narrative scenes from the Mahabharata for both educational and decorative purposes. Its use of mixed media—watercolor combined with tin alloy—demonstrates experimental approaches to traditional subjects during the period.