Offerings to the Great Brahma, East Indies, India, Antique Engraving, circa 1820

About this sheet

This antique engraving of offerings to the great Brahma, lettered "Scene in the East Indies" and "Offerings to the great Brahma", shows a ceremonial scene in an Indian palace courtyard and is an original early nineteenth century line engraving published in London by Thomas Kelly. The imprint reads "London, Published by Thomas Kelly, Paternoster Row."

The composition is set within an arcaded courtyard dominated by a domed pavilion. Elephants stand among the crowd, and numerous figures bow towards the centre of the scene in acts of devotion. In the language of the time, East Indies was a broad term for India and the lands beyond it, and the naming of Brahma reflects the way British publishers introduced Hindu belief to a general readership, often through the reports of travellers and officials of the East India Company. The image is best seen as a European interpretation of Indian ceremony rather than a documentary record.

Thomas Kelly of Paternoster Row issued a great many illustrated works in parts between about 1815 and 1840, including geographies and histories of the wider world. This plate carries his imprint but no date, so it is dated here circa 1820; the particular book from which it was taken has not been verified, and it is described simply as published by Kelly. It is an uncoloured line engraving with fine work in the architecture and the massed figures.

This scene in the East Indies will appeal to collectors of Indian subjects, the history of Hinduism in European eyes and Regency book illustration. It would suit a study or reading room, framed in a slim gilt or dark wood moulding with a generous mount.

The sheet is in good condition for its age, with light toning, a few small spots and light edge soiling confined to the margins; the image is clean and crisp.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.