Artwork

A bangle-seller and his wife

A bangle-seller and his wife, by Unknown, paint, 1800
A bangle-seller and his wife, by Unknown, paint, 1800

A bangle-seller and his wife is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This painting portrays a bangle-seller and his wife in an outdoor setting, capturing their daily life and occupations.

Subject & Meaning

The scene highlights the couple's distinct roles: the husband, bare-chested and simply dressed, carries merchandise, while the wife, adorned in jewelry and a bright red dress, tends to their infant, illustrating traditional gender roles and occupational identity.

Technique & Style

The work features bright, vibrant colors set against a serene blue sky with wispy clouds and a flat yellow ground dotted with palm trees. The use of clear lines and detailed rendering contributes to an overall lively and meticulous visual effect.

Context

This painting is part of a series documenting various castes and occupations, providing a glimpse into the social and economic fabric of the time.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known