A rare  pair of aquatints with original hand-colour by Thomas and William Daniell from their celebrated work ‘Oriental Scenery’, published in London c.1795-1807.

Gate of the Tomb of the Emperor Akbar at Secundra, near Agra. Published in London c.1795.

Plate 9 from the first set of Thomas Daniell’s ‘Oriental Scenery.’ The Mausoleum of Akbar was built by his son Jahangir between 1605 and 1613. It lies at the centre of a huge garden, enclosed by high battlement walls with four gateways of red sandstone. The main entrance to the south has patterned inlays of white marble and coloured stones, and has marble minarets standing at the four corners. The tops of the minarets had been shot away in the wars of the 18th century, later restored in the early 20th century. The view shows the encampment of tents pitched outside the main gateway, occupied by some of the British military party and their servants which Thomas and William Daniell joined to visit Agra and Delhi in 1789. 
 
Near Currah on the River Ganges. Published in London c.1796
 
Plate 21 from the first set of Thomas Daniell’s ‘Oriental Scenery.’ Travelling on their pinnace along the river Ganges, the artists sketched many views and noticed, ‘The banks of the Ganges are here very lofty, steep and picturesque; but are subject to considerable alterations in the rainy season, as the river then rises to the height of thirty feet.’ At that time, before the coming of railways, boats such as the one in this view with the large sail were widely used for transport. It was the Daniell’s baggage boat, and their palanquins can be seen lashed to the roof. Their own pinnace budgerow is in the distance. The actual site of the view is Naubasta, below the ancient city of Kara on the Ganges, with a small 18th century temple crowning the bluff.

Both aquatints are reduced in size and laid down. 

Dimensions 
49cm x 63cm / 19 1/4” x 24 3/4”
(Framed)