Part of Cheringhee, Calcultta, from "Oriental Scenery: Twenty Four Views in Hindoostan"

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

"Part of Cheringhee Calcultta" is a captivating print from Thomas Daniell's monumental series *Oriental Scenery: Twenty Four Views inindoostan*, published 1795 and 1803. British artist Thomas Daniell (9–1840), by his nephew William, extensively through India from 1786 to 1793, sketching landscapes, architecture, and daily life. Their work brought the grandeur of the subcontinent to European audiences during the height of British colonial expansion, offering a window into the bustling colonial hub of Calcutta (modern-day Kolkata). This view depicts Chowringhee (now spelled that way), a fashionable district in Calcutta lined with grand residences and wide avenues, symbolizing the blend of British influence and Indian vibrancy. As part of the Daniells' acclaimed series, it exemplifies early 19th-century topographical art, celebrating India's exotic allure while documenting a pivotal era of East India Company rule. Crafted as a color print—likely using the innovative aquatint technique for its soft, painterly effects—the piece highlights Daniell's mastery in capturing atmospheric light and intricate details. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, it invites visitors to ponder the cultural exchanges and imperial gazes that shaped global perceptions of Asia.