Set of four Prints portraying Musical Instruments

a) Musician with a D'hauk (a large drum carried over the shoulder and decorated with feathers, played at marriages and religious occasions, Calcutta, West Bengal)
1805
Hand-coloured stipple engraving on paper
12.5 x 8.5 in (32 x 22 cm)

b) Jugo Jhumpo
1805
Hand-coloured stipple engraving on paper
12.5 x 8.5 in (32 x 22 cm)

c) Kaura
1805
Hand-coloured stipple engraving on paper
12.5 x 8.5 in (32 x 22 cm)

d) Nagra
1805
Hand-coloured stipple engraving on paper
12.5 x 8.5 in (32 x 22 cm)

Belgian marine artist Frans Baltazar Solvyns lived in Calcutta between 1791 and 1803 and is considered one of the earliest printmakers in India, besides Thomas Daniell. During his time in India, he documented 18th-century Indian culture and habitats, including the people, their occupations, festivals and religious customs.

Solvyns, residing in Calcutta from 1791 until 1803, produced a remarkable series of engravings depicting the people and culture he observed. First published in Calcutta in 1796 and 1799, and then in a four volume edition, Les Hindous, published in Paris, 1808-12, the engravings include portrayals of 36 musical instruments as well as prints of the nautch and a "Hindu dancing girl". These engravings represent, in most instances, the first illustrations of the instruments and the manner in which they are played. The present lot features four such prints portraying musical instruments.

(Set of four)

This work will be shipped unframed

NON-EXPORTABLE