Ruins at Monea (Maner, Bihar)
Drawn by T.C Dibdin after a sketch by Thomas Bacon
Engraved by E. Finden
Original Engraving
(Plate from “The Oriental Annual; London: Charles Tilt, 1839”)
12 x 19 cms / 4.8 x 7.5” app.
Non-exportable antiquity. Cannot be exported out of India.
(The work will be shipped without a frame. Framing is available on request.)
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The Oriental Annual was published between 1834-1840. Whilst the 1834-1838 editions were written by Reverend Hobart Caunter with supporting engravings by William Daniell; the 1839 and 1840 editions were written by Thomas Bacon, with sketches from the author rendered into finer drawings by multiple artists, consequently etched by William and Edward Finden & others.
From the penultimate edition of the Annual, we see a shift in the literary and artistic voice/s employed in the delineation of the narrative. While Daniell etched a panoramic picture of the land with his wide sweep across the subjects of people, trees, fauna, and landscapes; the 1839 and 1840 edition primarily concern themselves with landscapes and architecture.
We are led into many secrets - lesser known towns and villages, forgotten palaces, and an array of scattered ruins - from around present day Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand - all with fascinating stories, albeit highly orientalist. While the engravings in these volumes compromise significantly in terms of thematic diversity - they make up for it with their multiplicity of artistic languages, and acute attention to craft and detail; in addition introducing also to some lesser known artistic talents of the 19th century.
Description of the Illustration from the book is also attached in the images.
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Condition Report: In good condition overall: no damage or tears. Some foxing, as clearly visible in the images.