Thomas Daniell, R.A. (1749-1840) and William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837) (Lots 106-115) William Daniell (1769-1837) left for India with his uncle Thomas Daniell (1749-1840) when he was only sixteen. Although his uncle had been exhibiting regularly at the Royal Academy he had probably seen little chance of succeeding as an artist and had been attracted to India as a more encouraging prospect than remaining at home. William and his uncle arrived in 1786 and spent their first two years drawing the buildings of Calcutta in preparation for the publication of Views of Calcutta a series of twelve engravings published between 1786-1788. The series was extremely successful and provided the Daniells with the necessary means for their travels throughout the country. Over the following years they produced a vast stock of sketches and drawings. When they returned to England in 1794 they translated 144 of the drawings into aquatints for Oriental Scenery, a monumental work in six parts each part consisting of 24 plates which were issued between 1795-1808. Other drawings were used for engravings in a variety of publications, including the Oriental Annuals 1834-40.

William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837)

A Hindu Female at Poojah Prayers

Details

William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837)
A Hindu Female at Poojah Prayers
with inscription 'Hindoo female at Poojah Prayers near Gungapersaud' (in the margin) and numbered '120' (lower left)
pencil and watercolour
5 5/8 x 7 5/8in. (14.3 x 19.3cm.)

Provenance

with Walker's Galleries, 1961, no.180.

Lot Essay

Gungapersaud is on the Ganges where it bends south into Bengal. This watercolour showing a Hindoo woman at her prayers, holding a rosary and includes a number of religious themes: In the background there is an altar growing a sacred Basil called Tulsi. There is also a Sivalingam which represents Siva, one of the great ancient gods which preceeded Hinduism and dates back to 2,500 BC.

More from Anglo-Indian

View All