Artwork
Depictions of a Plumbeous redstart and a Kingfisher of Northern India
Depictions of a Plumbeous redstart and a Kingfisher 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. This 1820 watercolor painting features two bird species native to Northern India: the Plumbeous redstart and the Kingfisher.
About this work
Overview
This 1820 watercolor painting features two bird species native to Northern India: the Plumbeous redstart and the Kingfisher. The composition highlights the birds' naturalistic details against a plain background.
Subject & Meaning
The painting showcases a Plumbeous redstart with a black head and pink chest alongside a bright green Kingfisher, emphasizing their distinct characteristics. The depiction suggests an appreciation for the region's ornithological diversity.
Technique & Style
The artist employed subtle shading to convey the texture of the rocks and meticulously rendered the birds' features, such as the redstart's speckled chest and the kingfisher's sharp beak, indicative of a detailed, observant approach.
History & Provenance
Presented to the collection in 1929 by Robert Scott Greenshields, the painting has a documented history tied to his service in the Indian Civil Service (1879-1910) in Bengal and Assam.
Context
Created during a period influenced by Romanticism, the painting reflects the era's emphasis on nature's emotional resonance, though its plain background and focus on detail also suggest a more scientific or illustrative intent.
Artist & collection
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