Home > Arts > Art Movements > Art Nouveau
English Babu (Native Indian Clerk) Holding a Hookah, 1800s. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
English Babu (Native Indian Clerk) Holding a Hookah, 1800s. Creator: Unknown
English Babu (Native Indian Clerk) Holding a Hookah, 1800s. This is an archetypal satirical caricature of an native Indian clerk (babu), a Bengali dapper dandy whose fashion sense combines British and Indian mores with dissonant results. Imitating his British masters, he sits cross-legged on a Victorian chair, holding a hookah, sporting a Prince Albert hairstyle, and wearing European buckled shoes. His posture models popular photo studio portraits of the time. Kalighat painters ridiculed these vain babus as foppish nouveau riche
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 19620117
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
And Tin Paint Black Ink Calcutta Kalighat Painting With Graphite Underdrawing On Paper
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Art Movements
> Art Nouveau
> Arts
> Contemporary art
> Pop art
> Portrait painting
> Arts
> Contemporary art
> Portraits
> Pop art
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Pop art
> Portrait painting
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Portrait painting
> Pop art gallery
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Watercolor paintings
> Fine art
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Watercolor paintings
> Portrait paintings
> Arts
> Portraits
> Pop art gallery
> Arts
> Realistic drawings
> Graphite art
> Fine art
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "English Babu (Native Indian Clerk) Holding a Hookah, 1800s" takes us back to the era of British colonial rule in India. The unknown creator skillfully captures the essence of an archetypal satirical caricature known as the native Indian clerk or babu. In this artwork, we witness a fascinating blend of British and Indian cultures through the fashion choices of this dapper babu. Seated cross-legged on a Victorian chair, he exudes an air of sophistication while holding a hookah, symbolizing his indulgence in leisurely pursuits. His Prince Albert hairstyle and European buckled shoes further highlight his attempt to imitate his British masters. The artist's attention to detail is evident in every stroke, drawing inspiration from popular photo studio portraits of that time. This painting belongs to the renowned Kalighat style, where painters often ridiculed these vain babus as foppish nouveau riche individuals. With its use of tin paint, black ink, watercolor, and graphite underdrawing on paper, this masterpiece showcases both artistic talent and historical significance. Preserved at The Cleveland Museum of Art in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), it stands as a testament to India's rich heritage. As we delve into this thought-provoking image by Heritage Art/Heritage Images, we are transported back to an era where cultural dissonance prevailed but also served as inspiration for artistic expression.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
