Artwork
One of two portraits.
One of two portraits. is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 19th-century glass painting depicts a South Indian dancing-girl holding a flower, characterized by traditional attire and a serene expression, with gold leaf accents.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures a dancing-girl from South India, conveying cultural specificity through her clothing and gentle demeanor, with the flower potentially symbolizing innocence or grace.
Technique & Style
Executed around 1860 by a Tanjore artist, the work utilizes gouache and gold leaf on glass, showcasing delicate detail and a luxurious aesthetic, though the technique mentioned (sfumato) is not visibly applied here.
History & Provenance
Given the fragility of glass paintings, this piece is remarkably one of only eight such examples in the V&A collection, hinting at its rarity among British-collected Indian artworks of the time.
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 European Woman Pouring Wine into a Cup
A European Woman Pouring Wine into a Cup
Tamil dancing girl
Noblewoman at a Jharokha Window Holding a Rose, from a Portraits of Women series
Noblewoman at a Jharokha Window Holding a Rose, from a Portraits of Women series
Mandodari
Saraswati
Matangi Devi
Revati
Untitled
Head of a Beauty
Sankhachur and Tulsi