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The Calcutta Babu in Kalighat by Hasir Chitrakar
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The Calcutta Babu in Kalighat by Hasir Chitrakar


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Hasir Chitrakar Hasir Chitrakar blue-tick
₹5,000 Inclusive of all taxes

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Size : Medium
Dimensions : H- 14 | W- 11 Inches
Medium : Natural Colors on Paper

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About the Artwork +

In this striking Kalighat painting by Hasir Chitrakar, the satirical essence of 19th-century Kalighat art comes alive, embodying the Bengali proverb, "While he shows off the pleats of his expensive dhoti outside, at home musk-rats move about at will." The artwork centers on a well-dressed male figure, the quintessential 'Calcutta Babu', impeccably adorned in a pleated white dhoti. He holds a red rose delicately in his left hand and a cane firmly in his right, symbolizing his outward elegance and perceived sophistication. Beside him, a small bat, or 'Chamchika', hovers, subtly mocking his superficiality. The bat, a nocturnal creature often associated with lowliness, underscores the painting’s satirical tone. Behind the Babu, his home is depicted in stark contrast to his polished exterior. The interior is overrun by musk rats, engaged in a whimsical music party, highlighting the chaotic and neglected reality that lies behind his ostentatious façade. This painting serves as a poignant critique of those who prioritize outward appearances over genuine substance. The Babu’s comparison to the bat accentuates his duplicitous nature, as both are creatures of the night, hiding their true selves in darkness. Chitrakar’s meticulous attention to detail and vivid portrayal of characters imbue the artwork with both humor and depth, making it a compelling commentary on societal pretensions and the hollowness that often lies beneath a polished exterior.

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Each of our artworks are hand painted by master artists across India. We provide an authentication certificate with this artwork signed by the artist.

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The sizes mentioned are excluding the borders of the artwork.

Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork. We offer framing services on demand at additional costs. If you wish to get your artwork framed, please reach out to us on WhatsApp or email.

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We ship worldwide, Our Prices are inclusive of GST/Taxes in India. For International Orders, any specific custom duties you may encounter in your home country during the delivery has to borne by the buyer.

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Ready To Ship/ In Stock artworks are shipped in under 2 weeks. We only accept return requests for Ready to Ship/ In stock artworks placed within a week from date of delivery.

Made To Order artworks will take 2-3 weeks to be made and shipped once they are ready. Returns are not applicable on Made To Order artworks.

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All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. That makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.


Hasir Chitrakar blue-tick

Hasir
Hasir Chitrakar, hailing from Naya, West Bengal, is an accomplished artist renowned for his expertise in Bengal Pattachitra and Kalighat styles. With a rich artistic lineage as the son of Manoranjan Chitrakar, Hasir has been immersed in the world of painting since the tender age of 8. His passion for the craft runs deep, evident in his dedication to preserving and showcasing traditional art forms. One of Hasir's notable achievements includes creating a stunning mural adorning the walls of the Pingla police station. However, his artistic endeavors extend beyond his hometown, as he has traveled to various cities like Delhi and Chennai, participating in exhibitions alongside his father. Hasir's favorite project remains his time spent teaching Kalighat and Bengal Pattachitra at an educational center in Kanpur, reflecting his commitment to passing down his craft to future generations. In his Kalighat paintings, Hasir often depicts deities and celestial beings, infusing his artwork with spiritual and cultural significance. Additionally, he showcases his versatility by exploring other mediums such as Chauk Pot and wall plate paintings, adding depth and diversity to his artistic repertoire.

Kalighat


Kalighat painting is a traditional art form that flourished in the vicinity of the Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata, India, during the 19th century. It is characterized by its bold lines, vibrant colors, minimal background details, and distinctive style. Jamini Roy was one of the artists greatly influenced by this style. Moreover, the themes of the Kalighat painting range from religious stories to social satires. Goddess Kali, Babu & Bibi, and Cat with the Fish are some of the well-known illustrations in this craft. History and Legend Kalighat painting began as a form of devotional art inspired by the pilgrimage to the Kalighat Temple. Pilgrims sought souvenirs to reminisce about their visits, leading to the creation of budget-friendly, portable artworks. Over time, these paintings evolved into a distinct style, reflecting the cultural and religious ethos of the region. Methods and Techniques Kalighat paintings are known for their simplicity and spontaneity, created using natural pigments on paper or cloth. The artists, known as 'patuas' or 'kalighat painters,' often worked in groups with shared responsibilities of mixing dyes, drawing lines, or filing up the colors. In the search for income, these craftsmen catered to British patrons at one point, incorporating elements of European realism and secular subjects into their craft. The secular subjects like English sahibs riding elephants, wealthy Calcutta babus (liberalists), and fraud sadhus (holy men) succumbing to base desires reflect the social concerns of that period. Decline and Revival The art form of Kalighat declined due to the advent of cheaper wood prints and machine-printed alternatives by the early 20th century. However, in recent decades, efforts have been made to revive the Kalighat painting tradition by artists, government, and art connoisseurs. The combined efforts through exhibitions, and workshops have helped in showcasing the unique identity of Kalighat painting and regain its lost legacy.  FAQs How do Kalighat paintings differ from other Indian art forms? Kalighat paintings are distinct for their simplistic yet expressive style, characterized by bold outlines, flat colors, and minimal background details. Unlike other intricate Indian art forms, Kalighat paintings focus more on the portrayal of subjects with a sense of immediacy and movement. Are Kalighat paintings suitable for home decor? Yes, Kalighat paintings are excellent for home decor due to their vibrant colors and striking imagery. They can add a touch of traditional Indian art and cultural richness to any living space. Can I commission a custom Kalighat painting from your artists? Yes, MeMeraki accepts commissions for custom Kalighat paintings. You can provide specific details and themes, and the artist will create a piece tailored to your preferences.  



Product Details

Title The Calcutta Babu in Kalighat by Hasir Chitrakar
Artist Hasir Chitrakar
Art Style Kalighat
Medium Natural Colors
Size Medium
Dimension 14 in(H) X 11 in(W)
Themes Folk Art
Color Brown, Off white, Black
Country of Origin West Bengal, India

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