Thomas Daniell, R.A. (1749-1840) and William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837)

Hindu Temples at Agori, Uttar Pradesh

Details
Thomas Daniell, R.A. (1749-1840) and William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837)
Hindu Temples at Agori, Uttar Pradesh
inscribed 'View of HINDOO TEMPLES at AGOUREE on the River SOANE. BAHAR.' (on the artists' original mount, overmounted) and further inscribed and numbered 'N.4. Bhur tree & Hindoo Temples at Agouree/on the River Soane-' (on the reverse of the artists' original mount)
pencil and watercolour, within a black-lined border, on the artists' original mount
21 x 29¼in. (53.4 x 74.3cm.)
Exhibited
Commonwealth Institute, 1960, no.64.
Smithsonian Institution, 1962, no.29.
Spink, 1974, no.49.
Preston, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Fine Material for a Dream, 4 April - 15 May 1992, no.23.
Engraved
T. Daniell, aquatint engraving, September 1796, for Oriental Scenery, vol.I, no.19.

Lot Essay

'Agouree is pleasantly situated on the River Soane, surrounded with hills well covered with wood. In this place are many Hindoo temples, and also a small fort, which make a very picturesque appearance from the river' (Oriental Scenery).

'On our arrival at Agouree a person from the fort crossed the river [Son] & paid us the usual Complts &c - informed us that the Rajah was absent for some days, but that every attention should be paid us during our stay at Agouree. We crossed in a small flat bottom Canoe, & were shown part of the fort... In the evening we walked up the Hill near our tent & found a vast deal of Matter (Clinkers) that had once very evidently been in a fluid state - the general colour of the stones were red which made my Uncle believe that the hill had been thrown up by fire' (Journal).

Agori lies to the south-west of Bijaigarh, on the river Son. This watercolour was published as the aquatint Oriental Scenery, vol.I, no.19 (September 1796). With its combination of temple towers and banyan tree, it is justly among the most admired of the Daniells' compositions.

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