Artwork
Hanuman and Sita
Hanuman and Sita 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
This 1890 painting on paper combines watercolour and tin alloy, depicting a scene from regional mythology with three central figures set beneath a tree.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a moment from Hindu mythology, featuring Hanuman (the monkey-like figure), Sita (the woman in a red sari), and Sankukarna (the man in a striped shirt), highlighting their interaction in a narrative context that reflects local cultural themes.
Technique & Style
Executed in the Kalighat painting tradition, the work is characterized by vivid colors, simplified forms, and expressive brushwork, resulting in a lively, bold aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created during the late 19th century when Calcutta was the capital of British India, the painting represents a period when local artists emphasized regional mythology in their work.
Context
Reflecting the cultural dynamics of 19th-century Bengal under British rule, the painting blends traditional themes with the distinctive visual language of the Kalighat style.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
