FONCECA, Simon (1837-1856) - photo 1
FONCECA, Simon (1837-1856) - photo 2
FONCECA, Simon (1837-1856) - photo 3

FONCECA, Simon (1837-1856)

Lot 159
13.07.2023 10:00UTC +01:00
Classic
Sold
£ 4 032
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 993023
Lot 159 | FONCECA, Simon (1837-1856)
Estimate value
£ 4 000 – 6 000
FONCECA, Simon (1837-1856)

Sketches in India Chiefly from Nature. Madras: [1852-1853].

Very rare series of lithographs - only three copies can be traced in institutional collections: British Library (lacking title and catalogued as [Lithographs of Scenery around Madras]), Bodleian, and National Art Library, V&A. Simon Fonceca, a Eurasian Roman Catholic of British-Portuguese descent, published twelve issues in total of these sketches between January 1851 and March 1853. In the introduction to the first issue, Fonceca stated: 'My object in publishing this small work, is ... to present not only the picturesque scenery, and other objects of local interest ... but to delineate the costume of the Native inhabitants - their Pagodas - Dwelling houses - Huts - Implements of agriculture - and the simple Machinery, used in their handicrafts - and the beautiful variety of trees which are peculiar to this country.’ The lithographed plates were the work of J. Dumphy, a draughtsman and writer at the Government Lithographic Press in Madras. This set was bound without two plates of nautch girls from the fourth and tenth issues, one plate of a Brahmin from the second issue and another depicting horses disembarking from a boat from the seventh issue. Not in Abbey, Colas or Lipperheide. Bobins V, 1645.



Quarto (303 x 237mm). 12 issues bound in one, lithographed title and 44 (of 48) lithographed plates (32 contemporary hand-coloured), blank rear wrappers bound in after each issue (plate 24 with marginal 130mm tear at gutter, occasional very light spotting). Contemporary half calf over blind-stamped maroon cloth, gilt spine, marbled endpapers (extremities rubbed). Provenance: Eliza Fullerton (ink presentation inscription from her uncle 'Bob' dated 17 May 1854).





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Place of origin:Northern Europe, India, Asia, Europe, United Kingdom
Auction house category:Printed books
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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13.07.2023
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
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