D'Oyly, Charles, Sir

Oblong folio (10 3/4 x 15 in.; 273 x 381 mm). Mounted handcolored lithographed title and 12 mounted handcolored lithographed plates after D'Oyly by the Behar Lithographic Press, all on india paper mounted on album leaves. Early twentieth-century half red morocco, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt; extremities quite rubbed, bit stained.

Edward Sands Litchfield (armorial bookplate; Sotheby's, 29 November 2001, lot 40)

Cf. Abbey, Travel 447; Litchfield 16; Schwerdt I:149

Oblong folio (10 3/4 x 15 in.; 273 x 381 mm). Mounted handcolored lithographed title and 12 mounted handcolored lithographed plates, all on india paper mounted on album leaves. Early twentieth-century half red morocco, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt; extremities quite rubbed, bit stained.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A VERY UNCOMMON HANDCOLORED EXAMPLE OF D'OYLY'S SPORTING LITHGRAPHS, comprising the first series title with the second series plates. "D'Oyly seems to have been an amateur artist of some merit. He was also a man of character; though his forbears had a reputation as masters, he seems to have emerged from India, a graveyard then both of men and souls, respected by all. An obituary in the Gentleman's Magazine recalls that a contemporary called  him 'one of the most elegant, gentlemanlike, handsome, and accomplished men of his day'" (Abbey). 

Sir Charles D'Oyley (1781–1845) produced some of the most attractive views of nineteenth-century Calcutta and Cape Town. During a leisurely posting as the opium agent in Patna, D'Oyly studied with the picaresque artist George Chinnery, later founding the United Patna and Gaya Society (the "Behar School of Athens") and the Behar Lithographic Press as fora for his considerable amateur talents.