Benares on the Ganges, 1859, Paper

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An original antique steel engraving, uncolored, lettered "benares aan de ganges." tall stone palaces and temples rise in tiers from … Read more An original antique steel engraving, uncolored, lettered "benares aan de ganges." tall stone palaces and temples rise in tiers from the river at the right, their walls pierced by balconies and arched windows, with broad flights of steps running down to the water. People climb the steps, stand in small groups and bathe at the stone platforms along the river's edge, and a cow walks among them. Beyond, the bank curves away to the left past domed temples, trees and a sandy shore. On the calm water at the left two boats with large square sails lie on the water, one carrying several figures and a boatman with a pole. The plate is lettered below the image in dutch: "benares aan de ganges.", which translates as "benares on the ganges". Beneath the caption, in a small script, is the publisher's imprint "uitg. Gebrs kraaÿ, amsterdam.", short for uitgegeven (published) by the kraay brothers of amsterdam. No artist or engraver is named on the plate. The source is britsch-indië, beschreven naar de nieuwste bronnen by a. Van otterloo (amsterdam, gebroeders kraay, 1859), the eerste deel of the series vreemde landen en volken, a set of books on foreign countries and their peoples. Its title page promises met vier-en-twintig staalgravuren en eene kaart, that is, with twenty-four steel engravings and a map, and this plate is one of those engravings. Benares, now varanasi, is one of the holiest cities of hinduism, and its riverside ghats are among the most familiar sights of india. The clear architecture and still water make a calm, balanced picture for a living room or study. Condition: light handling wear to the bottom right and top right corners; edges straight and without nicks. Even age toning, lightly soiled along the bottom and right edges. A few small foxing spots in the margin. 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. See less