Solvyns, François Balthazar

FIRST EDITION, folio (466 x 334mm.), title supplied in calligraphic pen and ink, 12 divisional titles (7 etched and 5 supplied in calligraphic pen and ink), 209 (of 250) HAND-COLOURED etched costume plates and views printed on Indian paper, including 7 double-page, 62 plates with manuscript ink descriptions, titles and plates all mounted on thicker (European?) paper and window mounted, twentieth-century half calf retaining earlier spine, marbled boards, title and 5 (of 12) divisional titles supplied in pen and ink, lacking 41 plates, occasional printer's creases, tears, or stains to plates, extremities slightly rubbed

Abbey, Travel 421; Colas 2763-2764; not in Lipperheide, but cf. 1479 (Solvyns, F.B. Costume of Hindostan, 1807); Shaw 348

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

THE LARGEST, COSTLIEST AND MOST AMBITIOUS BOOK PRINTED IN CALCUTTA BEFORE 1800. THE FIRST GREAT ILLUSTRATED BOOK ON INDIAN COSTUME AND LIFE.

Solvyns (1760-1824) was a Belgian artist who came to Calcutta around 1790. He became especially interested in the local people and decided to publish a collection of portraits and views. It was advertised in the Calcutta Gazette in 1794 (6th Feb.), with the subscription fee to the full work set at 250 sicca rupees. Solvyns hoped to deliver the work within a year of the advertisement, but publication was delayed for another five years. He etched the plates himself and apparently made the paper. This major project was not a financial success, however his influence was considerable and, like Thomas Daniell, he was a pioneer in the field of print-making in India.

The plates are divided into twelve sections, namely: 'Prints of various Trades and Professsions' (58 plates); 'Servants employed in the domestic concerns of European Families: and the only section in which Mahometans are introduced,' (29); 'Dresses of Hindoo Men' (9); 'Dresses of Hindoo Women' (8); 'Carts and beasts of burden' (6); 'Prints of various kinds of Palanquins' (7); 'Prints of Hindoo Priests Fakeers &c' (10); 'Pleasure boats' (14); 'Boats of lading' (15); 'Various modes of smoking with the Hooka &c.' (7); 'Various kinds of musical instruments' (32); 'Public festivals, funerals, ceremonies &c' (14). Between these sections are bound 7 views and scenes.