Bohemian Gypsies
Description
This painting is a boisterous and colourful narrative about the nomadic race. The Bohemians, originally natives of Bohemia, gave their name to the free and easy lifestyle so vividly depicted in the painting.
The scene is set against a panoramic view of a desolate mountainous region under a dusky sky. The troupe has travelled a long distance and is now settling down for the night. It is a large group, and some are seen still coming towards the spot, riding on mules, bearing various kinds of goods. Notice that the painting depicts a range of characters, activities and moods, right from childhood to old age.
Daniel Maclise (1806-70) was a leading history painter of his time. He was Irish but worked out of London. In 1829, he exhibited for the first time in the Royal Academy. He was also a caricaturist and is noted for his character portraits. He designed illustrations for several of Dickens’ books and other works. He was commissioned in 1846to paint murals in the House of Lords on such subjects as Justice and Chivalry. His two monumental works, “The Meeting of Wellington and Blucher” and “The Death of Nelson” adorn the walls of Westminster Palace.
Sir Ratan Tata Collection
Collection
European Paintings
Artist
Daniel Maclise
Object Type
Painting
Material
Oil on Canvas
Schools/Culture/Period
British
Technique
Oil painting
Date
1837 CE
Location
United Kingdom
Dimension
179 x 424 cms