Who painted Prawn with three fishes?

Prawn with three fishes was painted by Unknown in 1940.

Where can I see Prawn with three fishes?

Prawn with three fishes is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Prawn with three fishes

Unknown , 1940

Prawn with three fishes is a paint painting by Unknown. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 20th‑century work reproduces a Kalighat‑style painting that centers on a large freshwater prawn, rendered in striking blues, reds and blacks, with three diminutive catfish positioned around its head. The composition is dominated by bold, flat areas of colour and a plain background, creating a clear, graphic visual impact.

Subject & Meaning

The central prawn, with its elongated claws and vivid red belly, is accompanied by three small catfish distinguished by white and brown tones and prominent barbels. The arrangement reflects a Bengali proverb that likens the prawn’s dominance to a bridge, suggesting the fish are metaphorically riding upon it.

Technique & Style

Executed in the characteristic Kalighat manner, the painting employs simplified outlines, vivid pigments and swift brush strokes. The figures are stylised rather than naturalistic, with cross‑hatching on the fish and flat colour fields that emphasize shape over detail.

History & Provenance

Kalighat painting emerged in 19th‑century Calcutta when itinerant artists adapted rural Bengali motifs for an urban clientele. This particular copy, produced in the 20th century, continues that tradition, preserving the visual language of the original folk art while catering to contemporary collectors.

Context

The work belongs to a broader movement in which Bengali artisans responded to the growing demand for affordable, decorative images among city dwellers. By integrating local sayings and everyday subjects, Kalighat painters created a visual lexicon that bridged folk culture and the commercial art market.