Balbhadra

Physical description

The Jagannath trio, consisting of Jagnnatha painted black as an alternative form of Krishna, Lord of the Universe, in the company of his brother Balabhadra and their little sister Subhadra in the middle, are shown against a yellow background. All three are wearing red and blue striped garlands with detailed silver jewellery designs.

Place of Origin

Bengal (made)

Date

ca. 1860 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Watercolour on paper

Dimensions

Width: 11 in

Object history note

Historical significance: Calcutta was the capital of British India from 1833-1912. By the 1830s, artists had started to arrive from rural villages in Bengal and began to produce paintings that reflected the local history, mythology, customs and conflics of a colonised society. These artists are known for their use of brilliant colour, simplified images and swift brushstrokes that became the hallmark of Kalighat painting in the 19th and early 20th century.

Descriptive line

Kalighat painting of the Jagannath trio, Calcutta, ca.1860.

Materials

Watercolour; Silver

Categories

Paintings

Collection code

SSEA