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Indian Guru Teaching Disciples – Sonnerat Engraving, Enlightenment Era, 1806
About the Item
Indian Guru Teaching Disciples – Sonnerat Engraving, Enlightenment Era, 1806
This engaging engraving titled "Gourou parlant à ses disciples" (Guru speaking to his disciples) is plate number 10 from Pierre Sonnerat’s Collection de Planches pour servir au Voyage aux Indes Orientales et à la Chine, published in its second edition by Dentu in Paris in 1806. The plate captures a spiritual teaching scene that reflects Indian religious life as observed by European travelers in the 18th century.
At the center of the composition sits the guru, a revered teacher or spiritual guide, gesturing with his right hand as he addresses a small group of attentive disciples. The guru is seated cross-legged on a woven mat, and nearby lie ritual tools or writing instruments. His body language is composed and authoritative, suggesting a moment of philosophical or religious instruction.
Surrounding him are disciples in various poses: one bows fully in an act of reverence, another kneels and listens intently, while a third stands nearby, adorned with prayer beads and arms crossed in contemplative respect. To the left, a half-clad assistant or acolyte cools the seated guru with a large fan, reinforcing the figure’s status. Each individual is rendered with distinctive posture and attire, reflecting their spiritual role or level of devotion.
This scene captures a vital cultural institution: the guru-disciple relationship, central to many Hindu and Jain traditions. It also hints at early European interpretations of Indian asceticism, teaching practices, and devotional hierarchy. Though informed by a colonial perspective, the illustration presents a moment of calm interaction grounded in spiritual pursuit.
Sonnerat’s engravings were based on observations made during his travels through southern India in the 1770s. His intention was both educational and documentary, aiming to illustrate the rich and complex world he encountered for a European readership. The engraving was executed by Poisson after Sonnerat’s original sketches.
Condition:
Good condition with a strong impression on laid paper. Original centerfold as issued. Moderate toning and light foxing primarily near the margins. Paper is stable and clean, with wide borders and blank verso.
Framing suggestion:
A simple, dark wooden frame paired with a warm off-white archival mat will suit the meditative quality of the composition. Consider a slightly wider lower mat edge to leave room for the French title, which enhances historical interest. This piece works well in a study, meditation space, or collection focused on Eastern philosophy and colonial-era documentation.
- Dimensions:Height: 11.23 in (28.5 cm)Width: 15.75 in (40 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1806
- Condition:Good condition with a strong impression on laid paper. Original centerfold as issued. Moderate toning and light foxing primarily near the margins. Paper is stable and clean, with wide borders and blank verso.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13429-101stDibs: LU3054345003172
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