Solf-Coraven, or Beggar, from Indian Trades and Castes

Art Historical Context

This evocative watercolor and gouache, created around 1840 by an anonymous Indian artist, belongs to the series *Indian Trades and Castes*. Such works were often produced for British patrons during the colonial era, offering detailed glimpses into the social fabric of 19th-century India. The title identifies the central figure as “Solf-Coraven, or Beggar,” and the composition includes men, women, and infants, suggesting a family scene that highlights everyday life within the caste system. The medium—vibrant pigments applied with fine brushwork—reflects a blend of traditional Indian miniature ...

About the Artist

Anonymous, Indian, 19th century · 1800–1900

**Anonymous, Indian, 19th Century (ca. 1800–1900)** The artist cataloged as Anonymous, Indian, 19th century represents one of countless skilled Indian painters whose identities remain elusive in historical records, active during a transformative era under British colonial influence. Working roughly between 1800 and 1900, this anonymous figure exemplifies the legion of indigenous artists who adapt...