Who painted And They Still Say Fish is Expensive!?

And They Still Say Fish is Expensive! was painted by Joaquín Sorolla in 1898.

Where can I see And They Still Say Fish is Expensive!?

And They Still Say Fish is Expensive! is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is And They Still Say Fish is Expensive!?

And They Still Say Fish is Expensive! is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of And They Still Say Fish is Expensive!?

Museum-quality prints of And They Still Say Fish is Expensive! are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

And They Still Say Fish is Expensive!

Joaquín Sorolla , 1898

And They Still Say Fish is Expensive! is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Joaquín Sorolla. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1898, *And They Still Say Fish is Expensive!* is an oil on canvas by Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla. The work belongs to the late‑19th‑century current often linked to post‑impressionist concerns, emphasizing everyday labor and light. It is part of the permanent collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts three men confined within a dimly lit interior. One figure leans over a table, meticulously cleaning a large fish, while a second watches attentively and a third stands nearby. The composition highlights the routine of market work, suggesting a subtle commentary on the value of food and the dignity of manual labor.

Technique & Style

Sorolla employs a rich palette of earth tones contrasted with the luminous sheen of the fish’s scales. Fine brushwork renders the texture of fabric, wrinkles, and the reflective surface of the fish, while broader strokes suggest the surrounding shadows. The interplay of light and dark creates a focal emphasis on the central activity.

History & Provenance

After its exhibition in the late 1890s, the painting entered the holdings of the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s effort to represent Spanish genre painting of the period, positioning Sorolla alongside his contemporaries who documented daily life.

Context

Sorolla’s oeuvre frequently explored sun‑lit outdoor scenes, yet this interior work demonstrates his versatility in portraying indoor labor. The late 19th century in Spain saw rapid urbanization and a growing interest in the lives of the working class, themes that this painting encapsulates through its realistic observation.