Items Similar to Shaivite Brahmin Reading Scriptures – Sonnerat Engraving, India, Paris 1806
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Shaivite Brahmin Reading Scriptures – Sonnerat Engraving, India, Paris 1806
About the Item
Shaivite Brahmin Reading Scriptures – Sonnerat Engraving, India, Paris 1806
This engraving titled Brame de la Secte de Chiven (Brahmin of the Sect of Shiva) is plate number 11 from Pierre Sonnerat’s *Collection de Planches pour servir au Voyage aux Indes Orientales et à la Chine*, published in 1806 in Paris by Dentu. The scene is a contemplative study of a Shaivite Brahmin engrossed in reading sacred texts—an image that reflects both the intellectual and religious aspects of Hindu priestly life as observed in southern India during the late 18th century.
Seated on a rocky outcrop, the figure is shown barefoot and cross-legged, with a calm expression and the distinctive shaved head and topknot common to many Brahmin sects. He holds an open palm-leaf manuscript in both hands, with multiple leaves visible, a common form of textual transmission in pre-modern India. A stylus or pointer is tucked into his right hand, indicating careful study or recitation. His body is modestly wrapped in a draped garment, and sacred ash markings are clearly depicted across his forehead, chest, and shoulders—iconographic signs of Shaivite devotion.
The background is minimal but atmospheric, with distant landscape lines and stylized clouds evoking an elevated or remote setting—perhaps a temple hillside or forest retreat. The engraving, based on drawings by Sonnerat and executed by Poisson, is one of the more serene and intimate in the series, emphasizing spiritual literacy and scholarly solitude over ritual or spectacle.
Sonnerat’s portrayal of a Brahmin in study would have resonated with Enlightenment-era European audiences, for whom the idea of a meditative, learned class in India offered both a mirror and a contrast to their own philosophical ideals. It also reflects the growing interest in Sanskrit texts and the roots of Hindu philosophy that would blossom in the Orientalist scholarship of the 19th century.
Condition:
Good condition overall. Light age toning and a few scattered foxing marks, mainly near the lower and left margin. Sharp plate impression with full margins. Blank verso.
Framing suggestion:
The introspective nature of the image lends itself well to a minimalist presentation: a narrow black or dark teak frame with an ivory or cream mat will keep attention on the fine linework and facial detail. Consider a mat opening wide enough to include the French title for added historical context. An ideal piece for library walls, study rooms, or spiritual centers.
- Dimensions:Height: 11.23 in (28.5 cm)Width: 8.27 in (21 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1806
- Condition:Good condition overall. Light age toning and a few scattered foxing marks, mainly near the lower and left margin. Sharp plate impression with full margins. Blank verso.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13429-111stDibs: LU3054345003372
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,428 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllVaishnavite Brahmin from India – Sonnerat Engraving, Paris Edition, 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Vaishnavite Brahmin from India – Sonnerat Engraving, Paris Edition, 1806
This finely engraved plate titled *Brame de la Secte de Vichenou* (Brahmin of the Sect of Vishnu) is plate n...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
Indian Follower of the Shaivite Sect – Sonnerat Voyage Engraving, 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Indian Follower of the Shaivite Sect – Sonnerat Voyage Engraving, 1806
This antique copper engraving titled "Indien de la Secte de Chiven" (Indian of the Sect of Shiva) is plate num...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
Chauderie and Pagotin Temples, India – Sonnerat Voyage Engraving, 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Chauderie and Pagotin Temples, India – Sonnerat Voyage Engraving, 1806
This antique copperplate engraving titled "I. Chauderie. II. Pagotin." is plate number 2 from Pierre Sonnerat'...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
Nawab in Palanquin Procession – Sonnerat Indian Engraving, Paris 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Nawab in Palanquin Procession – Sonnerat Indian Engraving, Paris 1806
This impressive engraving, titled Nabab, allant à la Promenade dans un Palanquin (Nawab going for a walk in a p...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
Traditional Indian Bullock Cart (Gari) – Sonnerat Engraving, Paris 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Traditional Indian Bullock Cart (Gari) – Sonnerat Engraving, Paris 1806
This engaging engraving titled *Gari* (Cart) is plate number 7 from *Collection de Planches pour servir au Vo...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
Hindu Funeral Ceremony – Vaishnavite Rites, Sonnerat Engraving, Paris 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Hindu Funeral Ceremony – Vaishnavite Rites, Sonnerat Engraving, Paris 1806
This powerful engraving titled *Funérailles des Indiens de la secte de Vichenou* (Funeral of the Indians o...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
19th Century Engraving Belisaire by Desnoyers, 1806
Located in Richmond, London
Early 19th century engraving, titled Bélisaire, after Baron François Pascal Simon Gérard's (1770 – 1837) painting Belisarius, 1797 [Getty Museum, object number 2005.10]. Engraved by ...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Carle Van Loo " Spanish Conversation and Reading " Engraving 18th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Charming pair of engravings representing gallant scenes engraved by Jacques Firmin Beauvarlet after the works of Carle Van Loo. These two works are entit...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Picture Frames
Materials
Paper
Tosa Mitsusada Woodcut Printed 1806-1808
Located in Alpha, NJ
Dated between 1738-1806 Mitsusada Tosa
Printed 1806-1808
Engraver Jihei Inoue
Printer Kisaburo Hori
Category
Antique Early 1800s Japanese Prints
Materials
Paper
Four Engravings of Orfeo Tamburini with the Districts of Paris
Located in Paris, FR
Engravings by Orfeo Tamburini representing the districts of Paris for the series Paris 20+1 realized with etching and aquatint in colors. They are signed in pencil by the artist and ...
Category
Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Surrealist Animal Hand-Colored Copper Plate Engraving by Granville, Paris 1875
By J. J. Grandville
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Original hand colored copper plate engraving. Printed in Paris, circa 1875.
Plate: XXV111
Title: Soyez sans inquiétude, Mousieur ; deux mois de traitement, et je vous renvoie votre fils aussi droit que vois et moi.
Unframed.
14.50” W x 11.50” H matted. By original owner).
Image size: 8.5” x 5.50”
One of us set of four very RARE different images purchased from the original owner. Other three available on separate 1st Dibs listings.
JJ Granville bio:
Jean Ignace Isidore Gérard (13 September 1803 – 17 March 1847) was a prolific French illustrator and caricaturist who published under the pseudonym of Grandville, and numerous variations (e. g. Jean-Jacques Grandville, Jean Ignace Isidore Grandville) throughout his career. Art historians and critics have called him "the first star of French caricature...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Art Nouveau Prints
Materials
Paper
Whimsical Animal Hand Colored Copper Plate Engraving by Granville, Paris 1875
By J. J. Grandville
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Original hand colored copper plate engraving. Printed in Paris, circa 1875.
Title: LII
“Temps de canicule”
14.5/8” W x 11. 1/2”H matted.
Image: 8.5” x 5.5”
One of a set of 4 different images purchased from the original owner. Other 3 available on separate 1stdibs listings.
J. Grandville BIO:
Jean Ignace Isidore Gérard (13 September 1803 – 17 March 1847) was a prolific French illustrator and caricaturist who published under the pseudonym of Grandville, and numerous variations (e. g. Jean-Jacques Grandville, Jean Ignace Isidore Grandville) throughout his career. Art historians and critics have called him "the first star of French caricature...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Prints
Materials
Paper
