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© Sainsbury
Centre for Visual Arts, UEA |
UEA 765
India, Delhi
A nobleman and his guests watching a Nautch.
c. 1830
Opaque watercolour and gold on paper
9.9 x 12.4in (25.1 x 31.4cm)
Acquired 1980
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By 1830 when this picture was painted, the Indo-Islamic style had also
embraced Western ideas of painting. Consequently here we can see indications of
all the styles. The Nautch girls were traditional dancers in Hindu
temples but by 1830 had become a well established entertainment at court. Here
they are shown whirling in a north Indian Kathak dance, wearing the
bright colours and swinging costumes of Hindu dancers. Their faces and hair are
Hindu style and their hands are reddened with henna, usual for any important
occasion. The whole ceiling area is covered by a red shamyana, or
decorated awning. The pillars of the hall are Hindu style, but the court setting
with the ruler and his courtiers at ease on a carpet enjoying hookas and a tray
of paan is typically Mughul. The attempt at some perspective and at
realism in shading the faces probably comes from Western influence. This could
be a "Company" painting commissioned by a foreigner living in India at
that time.
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