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PRINCE ALEKSEI DMITRIEVICH SOLTYKOV (1806-1859) Habitants de l'Inde dessinés d'après nature par Le Prince Alexis Soltykoff, lithographiés à deux teintes par J. Trayer. Paris: H. Gache, [1853] 2° (524 x 343mm). Title with lithographic vignette Jardins d'Amber près d'Jaipour, list of plates, 42 tinted lithographic plates, the first a frontispiece, by J. Trayer after Soltykov and printed by Plista, Paris, with accompanying text on leaves following each plate (light spotting throughout, particularly affecting first and last few leaves). Original publisher's boards, the upper cover with lithographic vignette similar to title page, green cloth spine titled in gilt (extremities worn, some surface abraison to upper board).
First edition of Soltykov's important work, one of the rarest of the illustrated books on India published in the 19th century. Prince Soltykov, an amateur artist of considerable distinction and immense personal wealth, travelled widely, indulging his interest in the East and collecting Indian and Persian objects and art. He made two journeys to India, recording his observations in the Habitants de l'Inde and in Voyages dans l'Inde, pendant les années 1841-46, published in 1848. The present work comprises portraits of the people of India, from the young King of Gwalior to the most poor and deprived. The portraits are accompanied by Soltykov's records of how he encountered his subject together with descriptions, and explanations of their origins or occupations. Amongst those depicted are Paharis, inhabitants of the Himalayas, the Rodias, the beautiful inhabitants of Kadiganàoua, women of Bombay, women from Malabar, courtesans, dancers, domestic servants and bhisti (water-carriers). Graesse VI, p.433 (dated 1853); Brunet V 432.
First edition of Soltykov's important work, one of the rarest of the illustrated books on India published in the 19th century. Prince Soltykov, an amateur artist of considerable distinction and immense personal wealth, travelled widely, indulging his interest in the East and collecting Indian and Persian objects and art. He made two journeys to India, recording his observations in the Habitants de l'Inde and in Voyages dans l'Inde, pendant les années 1841-46, published in 1848. The present work comprises portraits of the people of India, from the young King of Gwalior to the most poor and deprived. The portraits are accompanied by Soltykov's records of how he encountered his subject together with descriptions, and explanations of their origins or occupations. Amongst those depicted are Paharis, inhabitants of the Himalayas, the Rodias, the beautiful inhabitants of Kadiganàoua, women of Bombay, women from Malabar, courtesans, dancers, domestic servants and bhisti (water-carriers). Graesse VI, p.433 (dated 1853); Brunet V 432.
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