‘Famine Sketch’ is part of a series of drawings created by Bengali master artist Zainul Abedin in 1943, depicting the miserable conditions of the people during the Bengal famine of 1943. Using black ink on paper, this particular sketch (52cm x 68.5cm) of the series is part of a documented sequence showcasing the tragedy through the emaciated figures of the famine victims. The skeletal form of the female (probably a mother) with a child holding onto her so dearly and the two nude and semi nude children are iconic representations of human suffering.

It is presently part of the Bangladesh National Museum collection. — S.I.K.