Artwork
Blossom-headed parakeet

Blossom-headed parakeet is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts a blossom-headed parakeet in vivid detail, characterized by its bright green plumage, red beak, and an almost blue-tinged head, accompanied by a single white flower on a branch.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a blossom-headed parakeet, was chosen for its local significance, reflecting the focus of Company paintings on documenting Indian flora and fauna for British patrons.
Technique & Style
Executed with careful attention to detail, the painting showcases the blend of Indian artistic traditions with the observational precision favored by British collectors during the colonial period.
History & Provenance
Originally part of a set of four bird paintings owned by Lord Amherst, Governor-General of India from 1823 to 1828, and his wife, it exemplifies the patronage of Indian artists by high-ranking British officials.
Context
Created within the context of Company paintings, a genre produced for British leaders in India, this work highlights the cultural exchange and documentation of local biodiversity during the British colonial rule.
Legacy
Now, such paintings, including this piece, are valued for their historical and artistic significance, with notable collections housed at institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
















