Artwork

One of twenty-four paintings of South Indian castes and occupations.

One of twenty-four paintings of South Indian castes and occupations. is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This painting is one of a series of twenty-four works, dated to 1850, which systematically document various castes and occupations in South India. The artist remains unidentified.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on acrobats in action, capturing a moment of dynamic performance. Figures are depicted in mid-feat: one inverted on a pole, another suspended by ropes, a third in a handstand, and a fourth accompanying with a drum. Traditional attire and a distant, serene landscape of fields and trees contrast with the energetic foreground.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by bold brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette, which collectively convey the dynamism of the acrobatic scene. While the style bears noting, it is distinct from later European movements such as Impressionism.

History & Provenance

Originally part of the Department of Engraving, Illustration & Design under reference RP 51/2237, the painting was later transferred to its current collection. Specific details of its journey and ownership history before and after 1850 are not provided.

Context

Created in 1850, this painting reflects a broader 19th-century interest in systematically recording regional cultures and professions, particularly in colonial contexts. It offers a glimpse into South India’s traditional occupations and performance arts during this period.

Legacy

As part of a documentary series on castes and occupations, the painting contributes to the historical and ethnographic record of South India in the mid-19th century. Its artistic and informational value lies in its detailed portrayal of a specific profession within a broader sociocultural context.