Page from an Album: Old Woman Singing (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
This page is from an album containing portraits, calligraphies, and copies of European prints assembled in 18th-century Golconda or Hyderabad, probably for sale to Europeans and other travelers. Its distinctive borders are made with blockprinted paper, perhaps manufactured in China. Like the Mughals, Deccani painters and their patrons were fascinated with Western works of art. This image was copied from a European engraving that itself was a reproduction of an early 17th-century Dutch painting. The Indian copyist misunderstood a few details—the fur trim of the woman’s dress is colored magenta, and her headscarf has become turban-like—but his efforts are still remarkably true to the original.
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.