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A Courtesan and client carousing
Nibaran Chandra Ghosh - Enlarge image
A Courtesan and client carousing
- Object:
Drawing
- Place of origin:
Calcutta, India (made)
- Date:
ca. 1880 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Nibaran Chandra Ghosh (c. 1835-1930., artist)
- Materials and Techniques:
Pen and ink
- Credit Line:
Given by W.G. Archer.
- Museum number:
IS.23-1952
- Gallery location:
In Storage
Physical description
A black line drawing of a smartly dressed client, holding a glass of spirit, seated on a bench with a courtesan.
Place of Origin
Calcutta, India (made)
Date
ca. 1880 (made)
Artist/maker
Nibaran Chandra Ghosh (c. 1835-1930., artist)
Materials and Techniques
Pen and ink
Dimensions
Height: 17.75 in, Width: 10.75 in
Object history note
This image was part of a series of three drawings obtained in 1932 from Mukul Dey in Calcutta, who had purchased it at Kalighat in approximately 1920 from the artist Nibaran Chandra Ghosh (ca.1835-1930).
Descriptive line
Kalighat drawing by Nibran Chandra Ghosh of a courtesan and client carousing. Calcutta, ca. 1880
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Archer, W.G (1971) 'Kalighat Paintings' Victoria and Albert Museum, London, HMSO, p62.
Exhibition History
Nehru Gallery rotation (01/03/2005-31/03/2005)
Labels and date
Calcutta was a thriving city in the 19th century and had a rapidly changing social environment. Kalighat artists were quick to respond to this and depicted scenes from their local surroundings. This image is one of many which illustrate the courtesan culture that flourished in the celebrated red-light district in the area.
Unlike most kalighat artists who have remained anonymous, Nibaran Chandra Ghosh is one of the few known artists. This painting was purchased directly from him before being given to the museum.
Materials
Pen
Subjects depicted
Courtesan
Categories
Drawings
Collection code
SSEA



