Unknown Artist; Fish Shambles; 1600-1700; oil on canvas; 38 in. x 52 11/16 in. (96.5 cm. x 133.8 cm.); Historically; 'Shambles' referred to a table or stall for presenting goods; especially meats; for sale. Thus; the assigned title of this painting merely describes the setting of the drama and does not indicate a disorderly mess. Present at the Museum for more than 200 years; this painting still lacks an attribution to a specific artist; although scholars suggest an origin in mid-seventeenth-century Italy; perhaps in Naples. Close stylistic examination reveals two artists at work; a well-documented practice in seventeenth-century Italy. The human figures present a gentle matte surface; creating softness in the flesh and fabrics. In contrast; the sharply rendered fish shine forth in metallic brilliance. This collaboration between two talented artists results in a painting unified through the effects of light and shade.