Sir Charles D'Oyly

Formerly in the collection of James Macnab

The colours are lighter in reality. This work is in good condition, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sir Charles D'Oyly was a talented amateur painter who entered the service of East India Company in 1798 and held several government posts. Whilst in Dacca he met George Chinnery and went on painting expeditions with the celebrated artist with whom he became a close friend. One of his most productive periods was in Patna from 1821 until 1831, during which he held the posts of Opium Agent and the Commercial Resident, producing numerous paintings and sketches.

Gaya, in the province of Bihar, is one of the most sacred places for Hindus, where pilgrims come from all over India to offer pindas for the peace of departed souls. The centre for such pilgrimage is the Vishnupad temple, in which the inner sanctum is said to contain Vishnu's footprints.

This Indian topographical view, dating from Sir Charles D' Oyly's tenure of the office of Opium Agent in Patna, belonged to members of the Macnab family who were friends of D'Oyly and also related to his second wife, Elizabeth Ross. James Macnab was surgeon to the East India Company and Civil Surgeon of Patna. His son James Munro Macnab also held various posts in India including those of Private Secretary to Lord Hastings, the Governor-General, and Collector of Customs at Mirzapur and Agra.

Reginald Heber wrote '...he is the best gentleman artist I have ever met with. He says India is full of beautiful picturesque country, if people would but stir a little from the banks of Ganges, and his own drawings and paintings certainly make good his assertion'. (Heber, Reginald, Narrative of a Journey: Through the Upper Provinces of India from Calcutta to Bombay, Cambridge, 1995,  i. 314)