Witte Pauw (The White Peacock)

The Dutch orientalist Marius Bauer spent most of his life travelling and painting, during which he visited India thrice. This work was probably painted following his second trip in 1897-98. For the subject of the work, Bauer limits himself to variations of white, but discreetly brings in shades of grey and beige to depict the bird’s body and train. Besides, it gives a perspective on royal life quite different from that of the Indian painters of the time. In the foreground, the reddish-brown of the katar and the muted gold of the helmet, along with the peacock feathers in a vase, provide a contrast and an element of opulence.