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Fort St. George on the Coromandel Coast – Hand-Colored Engraving by Sayer, 1754
$477.52
£361.74
€410
CA$661.54
A$741.97
CHF 388.56
MX$9,015.61
NOK 4,934.01
SEK 4,677.79
DKK 3,121.64
About the Item
Fort St. George on the Coromandel Coast – Hand-Colored Engraving by R. Sayer, London, 1754
This rare and striking hand-colored engraving depicts Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, located on the Coromandel Coast in present-day Chennai (formerly Madras). Published in London in 1754 by Robert Sayer, one of the foremost British map and print publishers of the mid-18th century, the print offers a detailed and historically rich perspective of this vital East India Company stronghold during the height of British colonial expansion.
The view presents the massive fortified complex of Fort St. George with its bastions, ramparts, and inner civic buildings clearly delineated, all backed by gently undulating hills and marked by British flags flying above the walls. At the center of the composition rises a domed structure and clock tower, possibly the Governor’s House or the church of St. Mary’s. The large gateway at right emphasizes the grandeur and strategic strength of the fort.
In the foreground, the Bay of Bengal is animated with a multitude of sailing ships and smaller vessels—some flying British and French flags, suggesting colonial rivalry or naval activity. A dynamic naval skirmish appears to be underway, with a cannon firing from a British ship on the right, smoke pluming into the air and rowboats circling. The lively maritime traffic hints at the vital trade, military, and political importance of the fort during the 18th century.
This print is not only a decorative maritime scene but also an important historical document, offering a glimpse into the geopolitical tensions and trading ambitions that shaped modern South Asia. Sayer’s engravings are sought after by collectors of colonial-era views, maritime history, and British imperial art.
Keywords: Fort St. George print, Coromandel Coast, East India Company, R. Sayer engraving, British India, Madras view, 18th-century maritime print, colonial stronghold, naval scene India, historical Chennai, antique hand-colored engraving.
Condition:
Overall good for its age, with hand-coloring still vibrant and detail finely preserved. There is a closed tear in the upper left corner, stabilized but visible upon close inspection. Minor age-toning and edge wear are consistent with 18th-century paper. The print is unframed and retains wide margins, making it suitable for conservation mounting.
Framing Tip:
Due to its panoramic format and historical nature, this print is best displayed in a horizontal frame with a simple, classical design—black, dark wood, or antique gold work particularly well. A soft cream or light grey mat with museum glass will protect the delicate paper and pigments. This piece is ideal for display in libraries, studies, maritime-themed interiors, or collections focused on colonial India or naval history.
- Dimensions:Height: 10.56 in (26.8 cm)Width: 16.46 in (41.8 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1754
- Condition:Additions or alterations made to the original: mounted on board for support. Fair, because mounted. Overall good for its age, with hand-coloring still vibrant and detail finely preserved. There is a closed tear in the upper left corner, stabilized but visible upon close inspection. Minor age-toning and edge wear are consisten.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14085-31stDibs: LU3054345559632
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