Who painted Rama and Lakshmana?

Rama and Lakshmana was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Rama and Lakshmana?

Rama and Lakshmana is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Rama and Lakshmana?

Rama and Lakshmana is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Rama and Lakshmana

Unknown , 1890

Rama and Lakshmana 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.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1890, this watercolor and tin‑alloy painting on paper portrays a dramatic episode from the Indian epic Ramayana, in which the brothers Rama and Lakshmana confront the demon Viravahu. The composition centers on two figures—one rendered in blue with a yellow dhoti, the other in purple seated on a gray elephant draped with a red blanket—set against an off‑white background.

Subject & Meaning

The work visualizes a mythic battle, emphasizing the heroic resolve of Rama and Lakshmana as they wield bows against a supernatural foe. By depicting the confrontation with vivid coloration and dynamic posture, the artist underscores themes of duty, bravery, and the triumph of righteousness that are central to the Ramayana narrative.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor combined with tin‑alloy pigments, the piece exemplifies the Kalighat school that flourished in 19th‑century Calcutta. The style is marked by bold, saturated hues, simplified outlines, and swift brushstrokes that convey motion. The unusual blue skin tone of one figure adds a subtle touch of realism within the otherwise stylized visual language.

History & Provenance

The painting originates from a period when rural Bengali artists migrated to urban centers, adopting the Kalighat idiom to render religious and contemporary subjects for a popular market. Though specific ownership records are lacking, the work reflects the commercial art practices of late‑colonial Calcutta, where such prints were sold to a broad audience.

Context

Kalighat paintings emerged as a vernacular response to both traditional iconography and the social changes of British India. By integrating epic mythology with accessible visual forms, artists created works that resonated across class lines, bridging devotional art and emerging popular culture in the late 1800s.