Artwork
A woman fish-seller
A woman fish-seller is a paint painting by the Realist artist Unknown. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created in 1826, this illustration forms part of a series of thirty‑five images that record a range of occupations.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1826, this illustration forms part of a series of thirty‑five images that record a range of occupations. It portrays a woman engaged in fish‑selling alongside a male customer, set before two large woven baskets filled with small fish. The composition captures a brief, ordinary moment of trade rather than a staged narrative.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, a woman dressed in a blue sari edged with red, is shown sorting fish, while the man beside her, clothed in a white garment and turban, appears to be examining the wares. The title, placed at the top, identifies her as a "seller of fish," emphasizing the work’s focus on everyday commercial activity.
Technique & Style
Rendered with muted, soft hues, the illustration avoids vivid coloration, directing attention to the routine task depicted. The careful line work defines the textures of the woven baskets and the folds of the clothing, while the restrained palette underscores the modest, unembellished nature of the scene.
History & Provenance
The work belongs to a larger project that documented various trades in the early nineteenth century, likely intended as a visual record for educational or archival purposes. Its inclusion among the thirty‑five occupational studies suggests it was produced for a publication or collection aimed at illustrating contemporary labor practices.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
