Who painted Radha and Durg?

Radha and Durg was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Radha and Durg?

Radha and Durg is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Radha and Durg?

Radha and Durg is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Radha and Durg

Unknown , 1890

Radha and Durg is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created circa 1890, this work combines watercolor with tin‑alloy pigments on paper.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1890, this work combines watercolor with tin‑alloy pigments on paper. It portrays two female figures drawn from the Ramayana, rendered in the distinctive Kalighat aesthetic that flourished in 19th‑century Calcutta. The composition is marked by vivid hues, strong outlines, and a flattened, decorative treatment of form.

Subject & Meaning

The scene features Radha and Durga, iconic heroines of Hindu mythology, positioned side by side with raised hands that suggest a ritual gesture or dialogue. Their stylized faces and exaggerated eyes convey a narrative moment, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay of devotion and divine power within the epic tradition.

Technique & Style

Employing rapid brushwork typical of Kalighat painters, the artist uses bold, saturated colors—purples, reds, blues, and gold accents—without subtle shading. Forms are simplified into flat planes, and outlines are pronounced, giving the figures a graphic, almost poster‑like quality that emphasizes immediacy over realism.

History & Provenance

The piece belongs to a broader movement in which rural Bengali artists adapted local mythological subjects for a market influenced by British colonial presence. Produced while Calcutta was the capital of British India, the work reflects the cultural exchange and commercial demand that shaped the Kalighat school’s output.

Context

Kalighat painting emerged from the bustling shrine of the Kalighat Kali Temple, where itinerant artists catered to pilgrims and urban patrons. By the late 19th century, these works began to incorporate elements of popular print culture, merging traditional narratives with contemporary visual trends introduced under colonial rule.