Prints of the past

Bengal’s indigo fields, dhoti-clad men and the charm of Durgoh Poudja in the late 1700s, Balthazar Solvyn’s lithographs capture them all

Belgian journeyman and printmaker Balthazar Solvyns’ lithographs of 18th Century Bengal and its people recreatethe flavour of the past in fascinating detail. Like the print of a man in a muslin dhoti holding up his sacred thread. Or sepia-toned Bengalis twirling to a drummer’s ‘dholak’ beats as part of a ‘jatra’, complete with a decorated rath and a bejewelled elephant.

Vivid portrayal

Serene landscape etchings of the Bengal countryside light up 19” by 14” frames in mellow, glowing aquatints. The original etchings and lithographs are part of ‘Lithographs by Balthazar Solvyns’, an exhibition of etchings done by artist Balthazar Solvyns during his stay in Calcutta from 1791 to 1803. They are vivid, intimate portrayals of the people of Bengal, their customs, costumes and festivals.

Solvyns made close to 500 lithographs in his lifetime, some of which are on view at the exhibition. Apart from technical finesse, what stands out are the intense detailing and narration that make for a visual treat.

“Balthazar Solvyns was among the first lithographers to depict ordinary people,” says Belgian Consul General Bart De Groof, whose interest in Solvyns’ etchings and access to works that are part of art collector Sharan Apparao’s collection led to the exhibition, at Apparao Art Gallery.

Among the outstanding etchings are those depicting sadhus, money lenders, fishermen, traders, shoe makers, dhobis, barbers and farmers. There is a sense of wonderful realism about each lithography that shows the scimitar-like curve of the ‘jutties’, elaborate hookahs, caste marks, jewellery, and so on.

That Solvyns’ eyes were open to Hindu culture can be seen in many of his etchings. The charm of a ‘Poudja’ or Puja is captured in a large-size lithograph, with dancing figures and drummers, and women prostrating before the image of ‘Dourgah’ (Durga).

The landscapes show, with realistic detail, Bengal’s mustard, sugarcane and indigo fields. In the background, one can catch the silhouettes of huts with thatched roofs, temples and ships on the Hooghly river.