HARDINGE, CHARLES STEWART
RECOLLECTIONS OF INDIA
Year: 1847
Size: 14.9 x 21.7 inches (Book Size)
PART I. BRITISH INDIA AND THE PUNJAB. PART II. KASHMIR AND THE ALPINE PUNJABYear: 1847
Book size: 38 x 55.2 cm (14.9 x 21.7 inches)
Slipcase size: 38 x 56.9 cm (14.9 x 22.4 inches)
Published by Thomas M'Lean 1847. Large Folio.
No. of Lithograph: 26 Hand Colored Lithographic Plates
The plates consist primarily of landscapes, but also feature portraits of Maharajah Dulip Singh, Rajah Lal Sing, Gulab Singh, and Sheik Imam-ud-Din Runjur Singh, with artwork drawn on stone by J. D. Harding, based on the original drawings by Charles Stewart Hardinge.
A beautiful hand colored copy of this fine & rare series of views inspired by the people and landscape of northern India.
Charles was the eldest son of the first Viscount, Henry Hardinge, who was Governor-General of India from 1844 to 1848. He was also his father's secretary throughout his Governor- Generalship and his paintings were made mostly during their official visits to various places which included Delhi and Lahore. He was present during the first Sikh war of 1845-1846. Seeing the British build up of forces as an aggressive rather than defensive move, on December 11, 1845 the Sikh army crossed the Sutlej and invaded British-held territory. Within three months four pitched battles were fought at Mudki on 11 December, Ferozshah on 21 December, Aliwal on 28 January and at Sobraon on 10 February. The final battle was decisive and the British occupied Lahore on 20 February, and concluded a treaty with the Sikhs on 9 March 1846. Hardinge's father served under Sir Hugh Gough at the second of these battles, leading the British centre. A number of the present views relate directly to this conflict (including an eye-witness view of the battle of Ferozeshah), others are interesting pictures of the life and scenery that Hardinge encountered at the time. Sir Henry Hardinge was created Viscount Hardinge of Lahore and Kings Newton on 2 May 1846 in recognition of his services, and Charles Stewart Hardinge succeeded his father as 2nd Viscount following his father's death in 1856.
BINDING: Original binding in dark-brown cloth–pasted hardboard boards with a gilt title at center, and a leather spine with gilt lettering. The book is housed in a rectangular hardboard slipcase covered in grey cloth and lined with green velvet.
Condition: This 1847 plate book remains in remarkably well-preserved and attractive condition, showing only light age-related wear. The title page retains a clean appearance with three small tears professionally restored along the right edge. The hardboard binding is sound, with expected minor corner warping and gentle fraying from handling a volume of this size. Light abrasions are present along the cover edges, and there is a small (approx. 2 × 3.5 cm) area of cloth loss at the upper centre, none of which affects the book’s overall strong presentation. Overall, the volume maintains an appealing and well-cared-for appearance for a mid-19th-century work.
Provenance : Collection of a Gentleman
About Artist
Charles Stewart Hardinge (1822 - 1894)
A keen amateur artist, Charles Stewart Hardinge accompanied his father to India, appointed Governor-General of India in 1844, as his private secretary. Charles lived in India during his father’s tenure documenting the Indian life and landscape.…...Read More
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.
We welcome enquiries from collectors, galleries, art enthusiasts, and institutions.
High-resolution images and multiple perspectives of artworks are available in each lot, further images and videos and condition report can be provided upon request.
Personal viewings can be arranged at your convenience. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to see these works in person — photographs, however fine, cannot fully convey the scale, colour, texture and presence of original oil paintings and works on paper.
Contact:
Phone: Neelam - 9810292314 | Ritu - 7503461940 | Aditya - 9810302675
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.
| Nickname | Amount(Rs) | Type | Date & Time(IST) |