Who painted One of three drawings of Indian craftsmen.?

One of three drawings of Indian craftsmen. was painted by Unknown in 1870.

Where can I see One of three drawings of Indian craftsmen.?

One of three drawings of Indian craftsmen. is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is One of three drawings of Indian craftsmen.?

One of three drawings of Indian craftsmen. is associated with Patna School of Painting.

Artwork

One of three drawings of Indian craftsmen.

Unknown , 1870

One of three drawings of Indian craftsmen. is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created in 1870, this drawing records a workshop scene in which a craftsman is engaged in the production of looking‑glasses.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1870, this drawing records a workshop scene in which a craftsman is engaged in the production of looking‑glasses. A second figure assists him, while completed pieces are shown on a shelf behind them. The composition is rendered in a modest palette, punctuated by occasional bright hues that draw attention to the tools and materials.

Subject & Meaning

The work illustrates the collaborative nature of eighteenth‑century Indian optical craft, emphasizing the meticulous handwork required to shape lenses and frames. By placing finished items in the background, the artist highlights both the process and its tangible results, suggesting a pride in artisanal skill.

Technique & Style

Executed as a drawing with painted elements, the piece employs a limited color scheme dominated by muted tones, contrasted with striking yellow and purple accents. Light falls from the left, producing gentle shadows that model the figures' faces and hands, while the detailed rendering of tools conveys precision.

History & Provenance

The drawing entered the museum collection in 1960 after being purchased from the executors of the estate of Mrs. F.P.B. Lory. Its acquisition reflects the growing interest in documenting non‑European craft traditions during the mid‑twentieth century.

Context

The scene reflects a period when Indian artisans were adapting European optical technologies, integrating them into local workshop practices. The presence of round metal disks on a wooden shelf may represent polished lenses or decorative elements typical of the era.