Four Female Nudes

Notes

Chittaprosad Bhattacharya was an influential political artist from West Bengal who used his work to challenge British rule in India. After joining the Communist Party in 1937, he dedicated his art to exposing the exploitation and suffering of his people. His most powerful work came during the 1943 Bengal famine, where his raw, unfiltered pen-and-ink sketches documented the human tragedy. These powerful images culimnated in the booklet Hungry Bengal, a shocking report that British authorities destroyed. Through his art, particularly his poignant caricatures, Bhattacharya gave a voice to the marginalised, using a blend of humor and deep empathy. Later in his career, he expanded his focus to include landscapes, portraits, and illustrations. His legacy was recognised in the 1972 film Confession, a documentary about his life that won an award from the World Peace Council. He passed away in Calcutta in 1978.

Provenance

Acquired from the artist and thence by descent.