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Captain Charles Gold (d 1842) became a gentlemen cadet in the Royal Artillery in 1776 and became Colonel in 1825. "Oriental Drawings" is a series of images produced from sketches made by the Captain during his time in India between 1791 and 1798, while he was serving in military campaigns against Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. Costumes, scenery, architecture and manners of India (and Indians) were captured in these drawings. The prints in this lot are most likely a part of these series of images. Archer in his "The Connoisseur" reported that Gold allowed "none to pass his quarter, without an invitation to walk in, which they always accepted and most readily permitted him to draw their portraits… [Subscribers] may be assured that the dresses are minutely attended to, and characters strictly preserved…". The book aimed to appeal the taste for the 'exotic' of the time and to introduce Indian culture and environment to the Empire. Most drawings were etched almost entirely in aquatint, which produced the soft tonal quality of the prints.

The man depicted in print (a) is known as a Dubash, a high - born educated steward. According to Gold, Dubashs were degenerate cheats who attached themselves to "conniving Europeans" and were "hussy's with whiskers." The extravagant lifestyle they lived and luxury (of employing letter carriers) they enjoyed is the main focus of documentation.

Beggars were often depicted in Gold's illustrations, as they were commonly seen. Gold was interested in the concept of Indian musical instruments as well as religious begging. Print (b) depicts two beggars, one playing the dhol (the Indian drum) and the other a woodwind instrument, combining Gold's fascination with two subjects in one print.

In the foreground of print (c) stands a man who is clearly a soldier. Gold specifically describes his rank and attire by quoting from another paper stating: "The dress of the regular infantry is generally of purple woollen stuff, with white diamond formed spots on it, which is called the tyger jacket. On the head is worn a muslin turban, of a red colour, and round the waist a cumberband, or sash, of the same. Their legs and feet are entirely naked, excepting a kind of sandal slipper, worn to protect their soles from the roughness of the march. They are accoutred with black leather cross belts, and commonly armed with musquets of French manufacture; though some are made in their own country; over the lock is a leather covering, to defend it from dampness." In the background, the town of Seringapatam is represented by two of its religious monuments. The twin minarets of Tipu Sulatan's Mosque Masjid e'Ala as well as the temple of Driranatha Swami are illustrated.

Another example of Gold's fascination of documenting the different kinds of people he came across in India with different attire and occupation, print (d) depicts a man who was most likely a warrior.

An example of documenting architecture, print (e) depicts a beautiful mosque displaying beautiful and intricate Mughal Islamic architecture amidst a green but urban landscape as a figure, perhaps an Islamic priest, strolls by.

The Lal Bagh Gardens are the subject of illustration in print (f). Tipu Sultan's father was buried in these Gardens, which before his [Tipu's] defeat was occupied by the British. They converted the peaceful gardens into an arena for military practice, ruining and ransacking the once beautiful garden that was overlooked from the royal palace in which Tipu Sultan and his family were imprisoned.

a) Untitled; Published by G. & W. Nicol Pall Mall, 22nd Feb. 1800, Hafsel Aquatinta fec.t
b) Untitled; Published by G & W Nicol Pall Mall, 1st March 1802, Medland foulp.t
c) Untitled; Published by G. Nicol Pall Mall, May 20th 1799
d) Untitled; Published by G. & W. Nicol Pall Mall, 1st July 1801
e) Untitled; Published April 27th 1804 by G & W. Nicol Pall Mall, Medland sc.
f) Untitled; Published June 1st 1799 by G. Nicol, Pall Mall

These prints are in good condition. The prints have survived several decades and may show some signs of wear and tear. This does not in any way detract from their beauty or value.

These items are sold unframed. They are available for viewing in Saffronart's London gallery.

About Poems in Print: People and Places of India

The fusion of romanticism and documentation is exhibited in this new collection of 18th – 19th century British prints of colonial India. Illustrated from an Oriental perspective, these prints served as valuable displays or notes of observations that were forming through the discovery of a vast and newly conquered India. While they were incredibly useful for purposes of documentation, they also evoked a romantic sense of adventure that is usually associated with Orientalism.

A diverse group of artists are represented in the collection, both amateur and established artists are included, while some came from military backgrounds, others were skilled print makers and engravers. Each provided a unique perspective on their discoveries of and fascination with the people and places of India. A few of the artists represented include William Daniell, John Luard, Charles Gold, and Thomas Bacon. Most prints were based on sketches that were made during their travels, and printed as artworks, while others were published in British Newspapers such as The Illustrated London News. Others were used for more academic purposes, such as those made for the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal. The publishing and distribution of all these prints had one unified result, which was to establish an image of India with the people of Britain, and Europe at large, thus whether they were intended to or not they became instrumental in creating perceptions and notions of what India was.

Thus the historical value of these works lie in their representation of an 18th and 19th century India, as well as the educative role they fulfilled in informing all those who were unable to see India for themselves. While their artistic value lies in the unique aura that each work revels in, each artist managed to convey a romanticism that is evoked through the exploration of the people and places of a new land and culture.