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Lot Essay
Kara, situated on the Ganges, was a sacred place in early Hindu days until it was conquered by the Muslims in 1194. It then became a seat of government until the present fort and city of Allahabad were built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 as the new administrative centre. Ruins of the old city extend along the river bank for two miles and provided the Daniells with many attractive subjects.
Thomas and William Daniell passed through Kara twice in December 1788 and October 1789. A number of drawings and watercolours resulted from these visits, some of which were made into aquatints for Oriental Scenery. Many of the sketches were turned into oils. The present painting appears to be another version of William Daniell's Hindoo Females on the Banks of the Ganges now in the collection of the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta. (see M. Shellim, Oil Paintings of India and the East by Thomas Daniell, R.A. (1749-1840) and William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837), London, 1979, p. 111, WD14)
The picture will be included in Dr. Maurice Shellim's next supplement of additional oil paintings by the Daniells as a work by William Daniell.
Thomas and William Daniell passed through Kara twice in December 1788 and October 1789. A number of drawings and watercolours resulted from these visits, some of which were made into aquatints for Oriental Scenery. Many of the sketches were turned into oils. The present painting appears to be another version of William Daniell's Hindoo Females on the Banks of the Ganges now in the collection of the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta. (see M. Shellim, Oil Paintings of India and the East by Thomas Daniell, R.A. (1749-1840) and William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837), London, 1979, p. 111, WD14)
The picture will be included in Dr. Maurice Shellim's next supplement of additional oil paintings by the Daniells as a work by William Daniell.