1868 ANTIQUE HAND-COLOURED ENGRAVING
“THE HORSES’ MORNING BATH AT CALCUTTA”
AFTER FRIEDRICH WILHELM KEYL (1823–1871)
A superb and highly atmospheric 19th-century equestrian engraving depicting the famous scene “The Horses’ Morning Bath at Calcutta”.
The composition shows an extraordinary bustling waterside scene in colonial-era Calcutta, with numerous horses being led, washed and exercised in the water by their handlers.
The foreground is filled with dramatically rendered horses emerging from and moving through the water, while sailing vessels, smaller boats, architecture and figures can be seen across the background.
The enormous amount of fine engraved detail is particularly impressive when viewed closely.
The composition is associated with the German-born British animal painter Friedrich Wilhelm Keyl (1823–1871) and was published in 1868.
The original title remains clearly visible beneath the image:
“THE HORSES’ MORNING BATH AT CALCUTTA.”
The engraving has been selectively coloured by hand, adding subtle tones of green, blue, red and brown while retaining the wonderful monochrome character and exceptionally detailed engraved line work.
Of particular interest, the reverse carries an old handwritten inscription:
“1868
coloured by hand”
There is also an old dealer / framer label to the reverse reading:
“GENUINE
Antique Engraving
GUARANTEED
Over 100 Years Old”
These historic inscriptions and label have been photographed clearly and form part of the item's provenance.
The engraving is presented behind glass within a substantial period-style wooden frame with a deep green mount and contrasting inner border.
APPROXIMATE OVERALL FRAMED DIMENSIONS:
Width: 57.5 cm / 22.6 in
Height: 50 cm / 19.7 in
Depth: 3 cm / 1.2 in
CONDITION:
Very good antique condition overall with age-related wear consistent with a piece of this considerable age.
The engraving displays natural age-related toning and minor marks / imperfections.
The frame also displays expected surface wear, marks, rubbing and patination from age and use.
The reverse retains its older backing, hanging wire, tape, handwritten inscription and dealer label.
The piece has deliberately NOT been over-restored or modernised.
Please study ALL photographs carefully, including the detailed close-up photographs and photographs of the reverse, as these form an essential part of the description and clearly illustrate the condition.
An exceptionally decorative piece of 19th-century equestrian and Indian social-history imagery, with tremendous detail and visual impact.
Ideal for collectors of antique engravings, equestrian art, British India / Calcutta imagery, Victorian prints and 19th-century historical works.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS ARE VERY WELCOME.
Please get in touch for an international shipping quotation BEFORE proceeding with your purchase.
Professional protective packing and custom wooden crating can be arranged where required to ensure safe transportation.
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