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Lot Essay
Hodges stayed at Chunar from 21 August to 27 September 1781. The fort had served as a Mughal garrison for nearly two centuries, passing in 1750 into the hands of the Nawabs of Avadh, for whom it was forcibly taken by the British in 1794. It served as the Governor General's headquarters throughout the struggle with Chait Singh, giving Hodges ample opportunity to sketch it from different angles. He states (Travels in India, London, 1793, p. 57) that 'During my stay at Chunar I made several drawings of that Fort, and one of Pateeta. As war was, however, concluded, the whole party returned with the Governor General (Warren Hastings), through Ramnagur, to Benares and arrived there 28 September; after which I had sufficient leisure and opportunity for my particular and professional pursuits.'
It appears that the present oil was either painted by Hodges between August and October 1781, while at Chunar itself or on his return to Benares. The images of the Chait Singh forts are amongst his many works which focus on subjects of special resonance to an English audience watching the advancement of British concerns.
For a drawing of this same view, see Mellon Vol. II/4, cat. 242. An aquatint in William Hodges Select Views of India, 1787-8, pl. 2 shows a similar view.
It appears that the present oil was either painted by Hodges between August and October 1781, while at Chunar itself or on his return to Benares. The images of the Chait Singh forts are amongst his many works which focus on subjects of special resonance to an English audience watching the advancement of British concerns.
For a drawing of this same view, see Mellon Vol. II/4, cat. 242. An aquatint in William Hodges Select Views of India, 1787-8, pl. 2 shows a similar view.