Artwork
Musician with cymbals
Musician with cymbals is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This painting is one of a series depicting various South Indian castes and occupations, created under the patronage of the British East India Company.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays a musician, dressed in traditional attire, holding cymbals. His detailed facial features and serious expression convey a sense of dignity, while his occupation is presented as a significant aspect of his identity.
Technique & Style
The artist's use of color and attention to detail creates a realistic representation of the subject. The plain white background focuses the viewer's attention on the musician, while the platform and attire are rendered in earthy tones and intricate patterns.
History & Provenance
The painting was produced by an Indian artist under British East India Company patronage, as part of a larger project to document local customs and social roles.
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
A Barber
An Ascetic
A scribe
A Box covered and lined with brocade containing a card painted with a face, and with a verandah covered with a striped rug; also twelve mica overlays depicting dancers and musicians.
A servant holding an umbrella
A Cook
One of twelve paintings depicting occupations.
One of seventy-two paintings of occupations.
One of Fifteen drawings depicting household servants
An Indian Man
A Nobleman
A Malabar fortune-teller