Lot Essay
Such processions usually took place during an 'Id, for example at the end of Ramadan. Although the British took control of Delhi in 1803, the Emperor continued to take precedence at state occasions until the 1840s. While other similar scrolls are known (see below), it is unusual to find the sketch and finished painting still together.
Similar panoramas were sold at Christie's, King Street Rooms, 28 April 1992, lot 21, and 17 November 1976, lot 47. Others are known in the India Office Library (Add, Or.888), the Victoria Memorial Hall, Calcutta. There are also two sketches in the India Office Library (Add. Or.211, 304).
Archer, M.: Company Drawings in the India Office Library, London 1972, no.168, p.197, ill.58 and dust jacket.
Bayly, C.A.: The Raj, India and the British, London 1990, no.20, pp.178-9
Archer, M.: Company Paintings, London 1992, no.89(30), pp.121, 123
Similar panoramas were sold at Christie's, King Street Rooms, 28 April 1992, lot 21, and 17 November 1976, lot 47. Others are known in the India Office Library (Add, Or.888), the Victoria Memorial Hall, Calcutta. There are also two sketches in the India Office Library (Add. Or.211, 304).
Archer, M.: Company Drawings in the India Office Library, London 1972, no.168, p.197, ill.58 and dust jacket.
Bayly, C.A.: The Raj, India and the British, London 1990, no.20, pp.178-9
Archer, M.: Company Paintings, London 1992, no.89(30), pp.121, 123