Rare Antique Print-GANGES-INDIA-BOATS-PRAUW-FERRY-Solvyns -1768-1776.

‘Ferry.’

Etching, hand coloured. on wove (vellin) paper.
Sheet size: 59 x 45 cm. (23,2 x 17,7 inch). Image size: 48,4 x 34 cm. (19,1 x 13,4 inch).

This attractive print was published in “Les Hindous’, by Bathazar Solvyns, in Paris (1808-1812). The 4 volumes are divided in 12 sections containing 6 plates and numerous double sided plates like this one. Text in English and French. (one page comes with the etching). There were 288 etchings in the volumes. When labeling the etchings he used erratic spelling, becauce he misinterpreted the Bengali language in French. From 21 july – 31 August 2021 there was an exhibition of all of his etchings in the Bikaner House in New Delhi, India.

Made by ‘Frans Bathazar Solvyns ‘ after own design. The Flemish artist Fran?ois Balthazar Solvyns (1760-1824), who stayed in Calcutta from 1791 to 1803, is barely known, but his collection of etchings of the Hindus provide a rich and compelling portrait of India two hundred years ago. These prints, depicting the people of Bengal in their occupations, festivals, and daily life, and the accompanying descriptive text, have rarely been referred to by historians of India. Most British painters, seeking patronage from the aristrocracy (Indian rulers, British officials etc) portrayed architecture and landscape (like the Daniells). Solvyns addressed Indian society as a whole, and did not neglect its less privileged members.

Condition: Good, given age. Remains of glue from matting on top. Staining, mostly in margins. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: GANGES-INDIA-BOATS-PRAUW-COMMON PEOPLE-REED HOUSES

RBOS-T.21-Large