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Lot 92

 

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a) The Hill Fort of Bridzee Gurl; Drawn by W. Daniell; Engraved M.J. Starling; 1833
b) The Cataract at Puppanassum; Drawn by W. Daniell; Engraved by J.H. Kernot; c. 1828
c) A Female Peasant of Ceylon; Drawn by W. Daniell; Engraved by T. Garner
a) 4 x 6 in. (10 x 15.2 cm)
b) 3.5 x 5.5 in. (8.8 x 13.9 cm)
c) 5.5 x 3.5 in. (13.9 x 8.8 cm)

a); b) Hand coloured steel engraving on paper
c) Steel engraving on paper


William Daniell (1769-1837) was the nephew of the great landscape artist, Thomas Daniell, who he accompanied to India from 1785 to 1793. Daniell along with his uncle managed to meet the new middle- class taste for sceneries from India, and in 1834 he provided most of the drawings for the first "Oriental Annual" where images were accompanied by text as to create an imaginary journey through India. The present prints were included in the Oriental Annual or Scenes in India

Print (a) is a depiction of The Hill Fort of Bidzee Gur. The Oriental Annual or Scenes in India describes the fort as being "small but uncommonly strong" and sitting atop a "lofty hill" around sixty miles south-west from Benares; the structure itself can scarcely be seen from the bridge bellow. This print depicts the massive stream of water which runs at the base of the hill and the eleven stone gothic- like arches erected to form the bridge, which as well as creating a breakwater against the river, it is also a beautiful example of masonry of the period. In 1781 the hill fortress was taken and destroyed by the British.

Print (b) is a depiction of the waterfalls at Puppanassum. The Oriental Annual or Scenes in India states the falls are regarded as having sacred properties; the name which the place bares, Puppanassum, signifies a washing away of the sins. It is for this reason that the print also shows a number of devotees praying at the marked walls of the fall.

Print (c) is a print of a female peasant of Ceylon. The Oriental Annual or Scenes in India states Daniell's stay in Ceylon was short, "Our stay at Ceylon was very short, as we were anxious to precede up that Queen of streams the Ganges." This print is an example of a peasant woman, a native of Ceylon and dressed in the traditional clothing.

These items are sold unframed.

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