The Durbar [A signed and limited edition copy with an original signed drawing by Mortimer Menpes]
Mortimer Menpes, The Durbar, London: Adam and Charles Black, 1903
210 pages and 100 colour plates, along with tissue guards with the title of each plate printed on them; publisher's deluxe binding of ivory cloth with elaborate decorations in Delhi style in gilt, red and blue on the upper cover and spine; decoration featuring golden peacocks and a magnificent flowering tree, also lettered in gilt on both cover and spine; top edges gilt
10.75 x 8.75 x 2.25 in (27.5 x 22.5 x 6 cm)
Signed by Mortimer Menpes, limited edition copy numbered 20 of 1000. This book is also accompanied with an signed original watercolour frontispiece on full sheet by Menpes.
During the Coronation Durbar, which was held in Delhi to commemorate Edward VII's accession to the British throne and the title of Emperor of India, Menpes documented their experiences from Camp Number One in words and paintings. Viceroy of India Lord Curzon presided over this occasion. This was the second of the Delhi Durbars, enormous ceremonial assemblies held as tokens of loyalty to the king. The first one took place in 1877 to celebrate Queen Victoria's coronation as the first Empress of India. The second had more ceremony and splendour and was much more magnificent. Lord Curzon planned the two full weeks of events in minute detail. It was an impressive display of pomp, strength, and lightning-quick coordination. The pomp and circumstance of Lord Curzon's 1903 celebrations were unmatched by either its predecessor or the Durbar that was held in 1911.
Many portraits, military processions, performances, celebrations, marches, and official occasions are depicted in Mempes' paintings. They are also historically significant artefacts of one of the grandest moments of the British Empire at its pinnacle, and are quite stunning in terms of artist talent and style.
The illustrations in this volume were engraved and printed at the Menpes Press under the supervision of the artist.
NON-EXPORTABLE
This lot is offered at NO RESERVE
This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as reference for the condition of each book.