George Derville Rowlandson Paintings


George Derville Rowlandson was an Anglo-Indian painter and illustrator born in 1861 in Shrivenham, England. He was known for his works that depicted scenes from the British Empire, particularly those that captured the life and landscapes of India, where he spent a significant portion of his life. Rowlandson was educated at the Somerset College of Art in Taunton, and later at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he developed his skills in painting and illustration.

During his career, Rowlandson traveled extensively throughout India, which greatly influenced his artistic style and subject matter. He was fascinated by the vibrant culture, people, and the natural beauty of the Indian subcontinent. His paintings often included Indian soldiers, British officers, and scenes of hunting and polo, which were popular pastimes among the British colonial elite.

Rowlandson's work was well received in his time, and he exhibited at various institutions, including the Royal Academy in London. In addition to his paintings, he also contributed illustrations to several books and periodicals, further showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with both realism and a certain romanticism.

Despite his British heritage, Rowlandson's art provides a valuable historical insight into the colonial perspective of India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His paintings serve as a record of the British Raj and its cultural interactions with the local populace. George Derville Rowlandson passed away in 1928, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be studied and appreciated for its artistic merit and historical significance.