Historical Figures and Customs of 18th Century India on Three Antique Engravings

Title: Indian Brahmin Penitents and Pilgrim – Rare 18th Century Ritual Engraving Description: This compelling copperplate engraving from the 18th century offers a rare visual study of Indian religious asceticism and devotion as interpreted through a European lens. It likely originates from the later volumes of *The Ceremonies and Religious Customs of Various Nations of the Known World*, the monumental multi-volume series published in Amsterdam and Paris during the early to mid-1700s, with illustrations attributed to Bernard Picart and his collaborators. The sheet is divided into four separately framed scenes, each depicting a unique figure engaged in acts of penance or pilgrimage. The upper left panel shows a seated female "Pénitente Bramine" (Brahmin penitent) under a flowering tree, joined by other women in a meditative or devotional posture. The details, such as the tiger skin mat and ceremonial tools, signal both religious symbolism and ritual practice. The upper right image presents a solitary ascetic woman seated in rigid meditation on what appears to be a stretched animal hide floating in water, holding a prayer bead mala. The caption explains she must never change position, emphasizing the extremity of her discipline. The lower left quadrant is the most dramatic: a male penitent with wild hair stands before a temple with both arms raised straight in the air, said to remain that way until death. Another figure lies prostrate in the grass, illustrating the prescribed sleeping posture for certain penitents—lying flat without ever bending their legs. These powerful visual representations underscore the physical trials undertaken by devout individuals in pursuit of spiritual transcendence. In the lower right, a "Pélerine Bramine" (Brahmin female pilgrim) stands quietly, dressed simply, with a bowl in hand, perhaps engaged in ritual begging or...

Antique print titled 'Brahmine - Bayadere - Femme du Raja - Esclave - Raja'. Lithograph of a Brahmin, dancer, Rajah, slave and wife of the Rajah. This print originates from 'Ge´ograp...

A collection of four late 18th century engravings of local tribes and temples from the Asian continent, printed by Nathaniel Parr and James Basire. Later housed in 19th century ebon...

Uses and Customs - Himalayan is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the govern...