A Courtesan and client carousing

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