First printed depiction of Taj Mahal to go on sale

London, Sep 18 (PTI) The first printed depiction of the
Taj Mahal will be the centrepiece of Bonhams' sale entitled
'India and Beyond: Travel and Photography' here on October 4.
Estimated at 30,000-35,000 pounds, it is included in a
volume of aquatint views of India by William Hodges who
travelled through the country in the 1780s executing drawings
on the spot.
The Taj appears in the background of a view of the Fort
of north Indian city of Agra suggesting that Hodges was more
interested in the military installation than the building
which in future generations came to symbolise eternal love.
This is one of the most important books of aquatints of India.
The volume is part of an extensive collection of books,
photographs and prints about India put together privately over
25 years which makes up the greater part of the sale.
Among the other prominent items from the collection are
a complete copy of Emily Eden's "Portraits of the Princes and
People of India" estimated at 20,000-30,000 pounds, numerous
fine prints by Thomas and William Daniell (ranging from
300-400 pounds to 2000-3000 pounds) in addition to their copy
of Oriental Scenery (1812-1816), with 144 aquatint plates
estimated at 5000-7000 pounds.
Another item is a scarce complete copy of one of the
great pioneering works of Indian photographs: a first edition
of Thomas Taylor Meadows and James Fergusson's Architecture in
Dharwar and Mysore (1866), with photographs by William Henry
Pigou, Andrew Charles Brisbane Neill and Thomas Biggs
estimated at 20,000-30,000 pounds.
Other lots include rare prints and books and numerous
groups of early Indian photography and albums.