F. B. Solvyn

The Flemish artist, printmaker and ethnographer, Francois Balthazar Solvyn was born in Belgium and lived and worked in Calcutta from 1791 to 1803. His remarkable etchings depict the people and customs of 18th century Bengal with his pioneering ethnographic efforts capturing the caste and their occupations, festivals, costumes and daily life of Bengalis in captivating visuals. Some rare books come with accompanying descriptive text. He published his first collection of etchings under the title A Collection of Two Hundred and Fifty Coloured Etchings: Descriptive of the Manners, Customs and Dresses of the Hindoos in Calcutta in 1796 followed by more. These included means of transportation, modes of smoking, fakirs, musical instruments, and dances. His collection of etchings Provide a rich and compelling portrait of an India that was two hundred years ago. He returned to his birthplace in 1814. Solvyn’s publications became highly influential for the 19th century Company Painting School.