1813.13
Fish Shambles
Artist
Artist Unidentified
Title
Fish Shambles
Creation Date
1600-1700
Century
17th century
Dimensions
38 in. x 52 11/16 in. (96.5 cm. x 133.8 cm.)
Object Type
painting
Creation Place
Europe, Italy
Medium and Support
oil on canvas
Credit Line
Bequest of the Honorable James Bowdoin III
Copyright
Public Domain
Accession Number
1813.13
Historically, “Shambles” referred to a table or stall for preserving goods, especially meats, for sale. Thus, the assigned title of this painting merely describes its setting. Though the large display of fish is an ichthyologist’s dream, the interaction between the male fishmonger and a female customer constitutes the real drama. Collected by James Bowdoin III, the painting may recall scenes he witnessed during his own European travels. Trade and maritime commerce were frequent themes in European art of the seventeenth century.
Object Description
still life with fish; man with cleaver at left, woman with basket at right