Artwork

Duhshashana and Bhagadatta

Duhshashana and Bhagadatta, by Unknown, paint, 1890
Duhshashana and Bhagadatta, by Unknown, paint, 1890

Duhshashana and Bhagadatta 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.

About this work

Overview

Duhshashana and Bhagadatta is a 1890 painting on cardboard, created using watercolour and tin-alloy. It depicts a scene from the Mahabharata.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows Duhshashana, brother of Kaurava leader Duryodhana, fighting Bhagadatta, king of Kamrup and Pandava ally. The two figures are engaged in combat, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the epic narrative.

Technique & Style

The artist employed bold lines and bright colors to create a dramatic scene. Flat areas of color were used instead of shading, resulting in a distinctive visual style that diverges from realistic representations.

Context

This work can be contrasted with paintings from the Realism movement, which emphasized accurate and detailed depictions of subjects.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known