Artwork
A Fishmonger
A Fishmonger is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Puqua. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
If you like this, check out works by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a fishmonger holding a large fish by its tail. He wears a loose shirt and stands in bright daylight. The fish looks heavy, its scales glistening.
Puqua painted this in Guangzhou around 1790. It’s not dramatic, but the light makes the fish’s skin almost pop off the page. You can almost smell the salt and wet scales.
If you like this, check out works by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
A Fishmonger is a watercolour painting created around 1790 by Puqua, a Chinese artist. It is one of a series of 100 works depicting various occupations in Canton.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a fishmonger beside a basket of fish, holding one by the tail. The scene is set in bright daylight, emphasizing the freshness of the fish on sale.
Technique & Style
The artist's use of light and colour creates a vivid impression of the fish's texture and appearance. The loose, flowing style of the fishmonger's clothing contrasts with the detailed rendering of the fish.
History & Provenance
The painting was acquired from Parsons & Sons in 1898 and entered the collection, as documented in the Asia Department registers during a 2022 provenance research project.
Artist & collection
