Artwork
Radha
Radha is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 19th-century Indian painting, dated circa 1820, depicts a serene outdoor scene featuring Radha, a key figure in Hindu mythology, in a natural setting with architectural elements.
Subject & Meaning
Radha, dressed as a princess, is shown conversing with an elderly confidante under a pink canopy. Meanwhile, Krishna observes discreetly from an upper room of a nearby pavilion, suggesting a nuanced, intimate moment in their mythological relationship.
Technique & Style
Executed in opaque watercolour on paper, the work showcases vibrant colors, intricate floral patterns, and detailed textures, such as the white latticework window, characteristic of early 19th-century Indian miniature painting traditions.
History & Provenance
The artist remains unidentified. The painting was acquired from N. Blount, Esq., of Lancaster Gate, London, with this provenance documented by the museum.
Context
The scene’s emphasis on quiet, personal moments and its visual aesthetics align with the artistic and cultural sensibilities of its time, reflecting both Indian mythological themes and the influence of miniature painting styles prevalent during the period.
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
