Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of a Lady of Rank was made in Lucknow, India. It was exhibited at the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, as part of a group of figures representing various castes, occupations and religious sects in India. This group was awarded a Third Order of Merit and was exhibited as part of the British India Court. It was gifted to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) by the India Commission of the Melbourne International Exhibition, 1880-81. The NGV Stock book identifies the figure as a 'Lady of Rank'.

Physical Description

Figure of a woman on a round base made from fired clay, painted brown and white. A paper label is glued to the upper side of the base. The woman is fired clay modelled over ferrous metal armature, which attaches to the base. The figure is painted with a fair skin tone and is wearing a green and gold twisted headpiece and lots of gold jewely, a white blouse, a red cape with green and gold trim, and a purple skirt with gold trim.

More Information