Artwork

Large green malkoha

Large green malkoha, by Unknown, paint, 1826
Large green malkoha, by Unknown, paint, 1826

Large green malkoha is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

A detailed painting of a large green malkoha is featured in one of twelve folios within a marbled-cover volume created in 1826, as part of a broader natural history study.

Subject & Meaning

The label 'Mulleak' below the bird may indicate an alternative or local name for the species.

The depiction of the large green malkoha reflects the Amherst family's interest in natural history, particularly during Lord Amherst's Governor Generalship of India (1823-1828). The bird is shown perched on a thin branch with a predominantly brown body, subtle greenish tint on its head, bright red eye, pale yellow beak, and meticulously drawn feathers against a plain white background. The label 'Mulleak' below the bird may indicate an alternative or local name for the species.

Technique & Style

The painting exhibits a precise style, characterized by careful strokes in rendering the bird's feathers, suggesting a close observational approach to natural history illustration.

History & Provenance

Created in 1826, the painting is part of a volume associated with the Amherst family during Lord Amherst's tenure in India. The current location of the volume is not specified in the provided information, though similar works can be found at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Context

The work contextualizes the Amherst family's engagement with Indian natural history during the late colonial period, reflecting the era's scientific and artistic intersections.

Legacy

While the specific legacy of this painting is not detailed, it contributes to the broader heritage of 19th-century natural history illustrations, influencing subsequent artistic and scientific depictions of Indian fauna.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known