First Edition Books and Rare Art

Sir Charles Bart D’Oyly (1781-1845)

Mosque on the Booragunga Branch of the Ganges.

This fine print originates from the rare work, Antiquities of Dacca by Charles D’Oyly.


Dacca, located in East Bengal, was traditionally a capital of Mughul viceroys and governors, and in the 17th century it became a British trading post.
Sir Charles D’Oyly (1781-1845) had his first opportunity to study Indian rather than British buildings when he became Collector of Dacca in 1808. Previously D’Oyly had been taught by the great artist, George Chinnery, in Calcutta. He later became the centre of a fashionable group devoted to drawing. A man of boundless energy, he was also a satirical observer of Anglo-Indian life. Between 1821 and 1832 when D’Oyly lived in Patna, travellers up the Ganges would stop there and spend lively evenings at his house, admiring his drawings and dining well.


Antiquities of Dacca was evidently produced over a number of years as the prints range in date from 1814 to 1827.Page of descriptive text included. Etched (probably from steel plates) and also published by John Landseer, 33 Foley Street, London 1814-1827.
Published by J. Landseer. London 4 Jun 1814.
Printed by John Tyler, 13 Rathbone Place, Oxford Street.


Inscribed ‘Drawn by Chas. D’Oyly Esqr.’ and ‘Engraved by J. Landseer, Engraver to the King and F.S.A.’/ ‘Proof.’ Wide untrimmed margins. Sheet size 580 x 430mm. (23 x 17ins). Plate size 335 x 265mm. (13.25 x 10.5ins).





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Tags: Anglo-Indian art, Charles D'Oyly, india, rare print

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