James Forbes
Green Pigeon and Cur Champah of the Concan (1771)
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.)
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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:
"The Green Pigeon and Car- Champa
The bird in the plate is represented about half the natural size; it is of beautiful plumage, and highly flavoured. These pigeons are met with in most parts of Hindostan, and particularly abound in the Banian trees, whose fruit forms their principal food. The Cur-Champa grows to a large tree, with a rich foliage, and at most seasons is covered with white flowers, which emit a delicate fragrance to a considerable distance."
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Condition Report: In good condition, no tears. Some discolouration and stains in the work, and the paper has some folds, all clearly visible in the images.