CAPT. ALLAN
VIEWS IN THE MYSORE COUNTRY
First EditionYear: 1794
Size: 60 x 46.4 cm (23.6 x 18.2 inches)
Privately Published for author 1794., oblong folio, 12pp.
No. of Illustrations: 20 Hand Colored Aquatints
Engraved title incorporating the dedication to Charles Marquis Cornwallis K.G., Governor General of Bengal, 20 Hand Colored Aquatint views by J. Wells after Captain Allan.
A fine set of the plates with the rare text. Abbey Travel II, 418; Archer p.73; H. de Almeida & G.H. Gilpin Indian Renaissance pp.176-178; Prideaux p.326; P. Rohtagi and G. Parlett Indian Life and Landscape by Western Artists p.79.
BINDING: Descriptive text, twentieth-century crimson half morocco over earlier marbled boards, spine lettered in spine lettered in gilt, leather title label in gilt on front cover. Extremities slighlty rubbed.
ALLAN, Alexander (1764-1820) served in the Madras Infantry from 1780 and took part in the third Mysore war. The present work resulted from images drawn by Allan at the conclusion of the campaign. As a military topographer, his overriding goal would have been to accurately portray what he saw: in the present beautiful and rare series he presents to a British public who were fascinated by the dealings surrounding Tipu Sultan. Allan went on to actively serve in the fourth Mysore War, as Deputy Quartermaster General. He spoke Persian fluently and was therefore appointed to carry the flag of truce into the Palace after the fall of Seringapatam and negotiate with Tipu. Subsequently, Allan was with Baird when Tipu's body was found. Allan resigned from the Army in 1804, and from 1814 was a Director of the East India Company. The rarity of this work can be judged from the fact that only one other complete copy is listed as having sold at auction in the past thirty five years. The only other records are for two partial copies: one with plates but no text, and a second with only 12 plates.
Provenance : Collection of a Gentleman
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Excellent Condition
This is an auction of pre-owned and old items. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and you should expect general wear and tear commensurate with age and use.
We strongly advise you to examine items before you bid.
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