Who painted Anopshur?

Anopshur was painted by William Daniell in 1789.

Where can I see Anopshur?

Anopshur is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Anopshur?

Anopshur is associated with Patna School of Painting.

Can I buy a print of Anopshur?

Museum-quality prints of Anopshur are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Anopshur

William Daniell , 1789

Anopshur is a watercolor work on paper by the Patna School of Painting artist William Daniell. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

William Daniell’s 1789 watercolour depicts Anopshur, a fortified military outpost perched on a sheer cliff. The composition balances the imposing stone structure with a tranquil shoreline below, where a river meets a modest beach populated by figures and vessels.

Subject & Meaning

The work records a strategic hill‑top fortress, its arched windows and towers suggesting defensive architecture. Beneath, a small crowd engages in everyday activity—people on foot, a boat on the water, and an individual riding an elephant draped in red—highlighting the coexistence of military presence and civilian life.

Technique & Style

Daniell employs loose, sketch‑like brushwork characteristic of late‑eighteenth‑century travel sketches, using transparent washes to render light and shadow across the rocky terrain. The palette is warm and muted, reinforcing the calm atmosphere of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1789, the watercolour forms part of Daniell’s series of topographical studies produced during his voyages. The piece bears an inscribed title identifying the location, confirming its function as a documentary record of the site.

Context

During the period, European artists frequently produced watercolor vistas of exotic locales for audiences back home, combining artistic observation with geographic information. Anopshur’s depiction reflects this blend of aesthetic interest and colonial curiosity.