Hanuman was painted by Unknown in 1880.

Where can I see Hanuman?

Hanuman is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Hanuman?

Hanuman is associated with Patna School of Painting.

Artwork

Hanuman

Unknown , 1880

Hanuman is an unspecified painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work titled “Hanuman” depicts a singular, vividly colored figure rendered in a flat, decorative manner. The central character is shown with a reddish complexion, crowned head, and an elongated tail, set against an unadorned backdrop that emphasizes his bright attire and accessories.

Subject & Meaning

The figure represents the Hindu deity Hanuman, a heroic monkey‑god celebrated in Bengali folklore and epic narratives. He is portrayed in a solemn pose, clutching a small attendant in one hand while raising a golden object overhead, suggesting divine power and protective guardianship.

Technique & Style

Executed with bold outlines and saturated pigments, the painting employs the flat, graphic aesthetic typical of the Kalighat school of Bengal. The artist emphasizes contrast through the yellow skirt, ornamental jewelry, and the stark plain background, creating a striking visual hierarchy.

History & Provenance

The piece belongs to the tradition of 19th‑century Kalighat paintings, which emerged from the bustling waterfront markets of Kolkata. Such works were commonly sold to travelers and patrons seeking affordable devotional images, and they often circulated among private collections before entering museum holdings.

Context

Kalighat art arose as a response to colonial influences and the demand for popular religious imagery. By depicting deities like Hanuman in a simplified, accessible format, artists blended traditional iconography with contemporary urban sensibilities, reflecting the cultural hybridity of Bengal at the time.

Legacy

The visual language of this painting—its vivid coloration, linear clarity, and narrative immediacy—has informed later Indian popular art and continues to be studied as a key example of vernacular visual culture within South Asian art history.