James Forbes
Grains in Guzerat (drawn 1780)
Engraved by W. Hooker after a drawing by James Forbes
Original Aquatint (hand-coloured) published between 1813-1835
28 x 21 cms / 11 x 8.5” app.
Non-exportable.
(The work will be shipped without a frame. Framing is available on request.)
*
With an ever-growing global interest in the Company School and the allied art styles of the colonial period - we launch a series of curations featuring vintage prints from this period - signaling a new direction for the Red Earth collection. Who better to start with than James Forbes, one of the earliest British artists, whose musings of the natural world are capable of leaving an indelible mark on your mind - and adding life and colour to any room.
James Forbes (1749–1819) was a British artist and writer, employed by the East India Company, and lived in India from 1765 to 1784. His notes and sketches concerned varied aspects of Indian life, from its natural world to architecture. These illustrations are extracted from his iconic work Oriental Memoirs (editions published between 1813-1835), focusing on his visual experiences of India, but also including observations on parts of Africa and South America.
Description of the Illustration from the book:
"Grains in Guzerat: Chena, Buntec, Codra, Natchnec
The early grains were all drawn from nature, at the commencement of the different harvests in the Dhuboy Purgunna. The Linnean names and specific distinctions are mentioned in the work: their varied tints and rich appearance add much to the beauty of the luxuriant plains of Guzerat. These grains are all reaped in what is called the first harvest, commencing soon after the periodical rains are over."
*
Condition Report: In reasonably good condition overall. Tears along the central and right bottom part, and along the edges, discolouration and stains in the work, as are clearly visible in the images.