Nabin and Elokeshi
1875
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1875
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Nabin and Elokeshi is a 1875 paint by Unknown, a Impressionism work, depicting Kalighat, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows two figures in bright, flat colors. The person on the left is kneeling, wearing a red sari with gold and black patterns, and a long red-and-black scarf. The person on the right stands, leaning in with one hand on the other’s shoulder, dressed in a white shirt with blue stripes and yellow pants. Notice the bold outlines and lack of shading—it’s more about clean shapes than depth. The background is just a simple green arch, keeping focus on the figures. Want to learn more? Check out the kalighat style of painting.
Nabin and Elokeshi is a watercolour and tin alloy painting on paper depicting an episode from the 1873 Tarakeshwar affair. In the scene, Nabin clutches a fish knife at his side while supporting the severed head of his wife, Elokeshi. The work reflects a scandal involving an extramarital affair between Elokeshi and the chief priest of the Tarakeshwar Shiva temple, which culminated in Nabin's murder of his wife. The painting is part of a series of Kalighat images produced between 1875 and 1880 that reinterpreted the events of the case.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Your cart is empty
Explore artworks →
