Who painted Hanuman, Rama and Sita?

Hanuman, Rama and Sita was painted by Unknown in 1830.

Where can I see Hanuman, Rama and Sita?

Hanuman, Rama and Sita is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Hanuman, Rama and Sita?

Hanuman, Rama and Sita is associated with Patna School of Painting.

Artwork

Hanuman, Rama and Sita

Unknown , 1830

Hanuman, Rama and Sita is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This circa 1830 painting, executed in the Kalighat style, portrays a pivotal scene from Hindu mythology featuring Hanuman, Rama, and Sita, characterized by vibrant colors and distinctive artistic conventions.

Subject & Meaning

Hanuman, depicted with human-like facial features and a blue body, kneels in reverence with folded hands. His chest encloses miniature, ornate figures of Rama (seated on a red cushion) and Sita, symbolizing their sacred presence within the monkey deity. The composition conveys a moment of serene devotion.

Technique & Style

The work embodies the Kalighat tradition through its use of bold outlines, flat color areas, and the absence of shading or depth. The artists' rapid brushwork and simplified forms are evident, while tin-alloy embellishments add luminosity to the deities' adornments.

History & Provenance

Created in Calcutta around 1830, this painting reflects the artistic output of the region during a period of colonial transition. Its origins tie it to the flourishing Kalighat painting style of the 19th century, though specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

Produced in a time of colonial change, the painting represents the enduring influence of Hindu mythology on local art practices, contrasting with the broader cultural shifts of the era. Similar works can be found in collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Legacy

This painting contributes to the legacy of Kalighat-style art, illustrating its distinctive aesthetic and thematic focus on mythological subjects. It remains a testament to the style's popularity and the artistic traditions of 19th-century Calcutta.