Painting, courtesan trampling on lover, by Kali Charan Ghosh, watercolour on paper, Kalighat, Kolkata, ca. 1900

Painting, watercolour on paper, an illustration of 19th century life in Calcutta, depicting a courtesan trampling on her lover, drawn in large washes of colour with little shading. A satirical scene of modern Calcutta life. The picutre is a satire of the 'Nabya Babu' or newly westernized dandy culture of the contemporary Calcutta society. The 'Babu' is sporting 'Albert' hair-style, after the Prince Consort and suitably dressed for the period. He is completely under her influence, so much so that she can walk all over him. A parallel is drawn between Goddess Kali trampling over prostrate Shiva.

A courtesan trampling on her lover.

Given by W.G. Archer.

From the W.G. Archer collection, given in 1952. Purchased at Kalighat in 1932 from the family of of the artist, Kali Charam Ghosh (1844 - 1930).

Historical significance: Calcutta was the capital of British India from 1833-1912. By the 1830s, artists had arrived from rural villages in Bengal and began to produce paintings that reflected local history, mythology, customs and conflicts of a colonised society. As a popular art form, these artists are recognised for their use of brilliant colour, simplified images and swift brushstrokes that became the hallmark of Kalighat painting in the 19th and early 20th century.

IS.39-1952