Artwork

Depictions of a Bengal green pigeon and a Plumbeous redsatart of Northern India

Depictions of a Bengal green pigeon and a Plumbeous redsatart of Northern India is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This album folio contains two natural history paintings on opposite sides, depicting a Bengal green pigeon and a Plumbeous redstart, both originating from Northern India circa 1820.

Subject & Meaning

Each side features a single bird species in a simple, naturalistic pose, with the Bengal green pigeon and Plumbeous redstart showcased against plain, faded backgrounds to emphasize their forms and plumage details.

Technique & Style

The paintings exhibit loose, quick brushstrokes and textured surfaces, suggesting an emphasis on rapid, observational rendering. The birds' feathers are captured through subtle gradations of brown, gray, and lighter tones for the belly.

History & Provenance

The folio was donated by Robert Scott Greenshields, a member of the Indian Civil Service in Bengal and Assam (1879-1910), to its current collection in 1929.

Context

Created in Northern India around 1820, these works reflect the region's natural history illustration traditions of the time, characterized by straightforward depiction and minimal contextual detail.