Painting, Bengali husband and wife, watercolour on cardboard, Kalighat, Kolkata, ca. 1890

Painting, in watercolour on cardboard, a 19th century Bengali husband and wife. The husband has a typical western appearance revealed through his Prince Albert haircut, moustache and black jacket which contrasts against his yellow flesh tones. In contrast his wife is dressed in traditional Indian clothing, and wears a white sari with black edging and gold jewellery which adorns her face, neck and arms.

A 19th century Bengali husband and wife. The husband has a typical western appearance revealed through his Prince Albert haircut, moustache and black jacket which contrasts against his yellow flesh tones. In contrast his wife is dressed in traditional Indian clothing, and wears a white sari with black edging and gold jewellery which adorns her face, neck and arms.

Historical significance: Calcutta was recognised as 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.84-1959