Views in Calcutta
In 1784 Thomas Daniel obtained permission from the East India Company to travel to India to work as an engraver, assisted by his nephew William. The pair reached Calcutta in 1786 and soon began to issue the first topographical prints of the colonial capital. Twelve etched and aquatinted “Views of Calcutta” were completed by 1788, printed and hand-colored by Indian assistants. The images proved immensely popular in India and Europe, and helped to launch a vogue for Indian ornament and design in Britain.
Plate 1: The Old Fort, Playhouse, and Holwell's Monument
Plate 2: The Old Court House and Writers' Buildings
Plate 3: Part of the Old Tank
Plate 4: Gentoo Pagoda and House
Plate 5: The New Court House and Chandpal Ghaut
Plate 6: The Old Fort Ghaut
Plate 7: The New Buildings and Chouringhee [Chowringhee]
Plate 8: Gentoo Buildings from the River Hoogly, Calcutta
Plate 9: The Old Court House and Street Looking South
Plate 10: Esplanade Row and the Council House
Plate 11: Old Government House
Plate 12: St. John's Church
Plate 1: The Old Fort, Playhouse, and Holwell's Monument
Plate 2: The Old Court House and Writers' Buildings
Plate 3: Part of the Old Tank
Plate 4: Gentoo Pagoda and House
Plate 5: The New Court House and Chandpal Ghaut
Plate 6: The Old Fort Ghaut
Plate 7: The New Buildings and Chouringhee [Chowringhee]
Plate 8: Gentoo Buildings from the River Hoogly, Calcutta
Plate 9: The Old Court House and Street Looking South
Plate 10: Esplanade Row and the Council House
Plate 11: Old Government House
Plate 12: St. John's Church
Artwork Details
- Title: Views in Calcutta
- Artist and publisher: Thomas Daniell (British, Kingston-upon-Thames 1749–1840 London)
- Published in: Calcutta
- Date: 1786–88
- Medium: Hand-colored aquatints
- Dimensions: Book: 18 1/8 x 23 7/16 x 7/8 in. (46 x 59.6 x 2.3cm)
- Classifications: Albums, Prints
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1966
- Object Number: 66.631.1(1–12)
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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