Lot Essay
The present group of watercolours was probably executed by an army officer or a wife or sister stationed at the Fort of Gwalior, who recorded elements of daily life in camp, the house where they were billeted, buildings and temples in the surrounding area and local customs such as the rather shocking practise of suttee. Skill in drawing was a great asset to the military as their work frequently involved surveying and map making, and drawing was taught at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. For the women who joined their relatives life could be lonely and many were encouraged to improve their sketching and take instruction in watercolour drawing.