Page 162 - Historic-Masterpieces-Dec24

The First Painting of
Cricket in India
The Indian sojourn of Thomas and William Daniell was
an ambitious undertaking. Spanning seven years,
their travels included three major tours: the Ganga
journey from Calcutta to Srinagar (1788–1791), a
circular exploration around Mysore from Madras
(1792–1793), and their return route through
Bombay in 1793. They meticulously recorded
their impressions through sketches, which they
later transformed into exquisite watercolours, oil
paintings, and aquatints.
The six-volume masterpiece, ‘Oriental Scenery’,
featuring 144 coloured aquatints, became a
monumental achievement, celebrated for its
artistic and commercial success. Thirty sets were
even purchased by the East India Company, a
testament to the impact of their work.
Thomas Daniell’s paintings provided not just an
aesthetic representation but also a cultural and
historical record of India during the peak of British
imperial engagement. His works remain significant,
offering glimpses into a bygone era where art became a
medium for cultural exchange and intellectual curiosity.
The presented lot is an extraordinary painting by Thomas Daniell,
that holds a highly unique place in the art and sports history of the
colonial era.
The earliest known visual depiction of cricket in India, this beautiful oil
on canvas is a testament to cricket’s enduring legacy as a symbol of
British identity and its introduction to Indian shores. It also bridges two
worlds-British tradition and Indian artistry-through Daniell’s unique and
celebrated perspective.
A famous work that highlights the cultural
history of the country through the lens
of India’s most popular sport
By the time of Daniell’s visit in 1792-1793, Madras (now
Chennai) had not only emerged as a lucrative hub for
trade but had also become a cultural melting pot. This
cosmopolitan environment also inspired artists like
Thomas Daniell, who found ample subjects for their
work in the region’s architectural marvels, bustling
markets, and serene landscapes.
This particular work depicts a scene of a cricket
match, set against the lush greenery. In the
foreground, players are engaged in the game.
The fielders are dressed in coloured trousers
and the scorer sits casually off to the side. A
cow leisurely wanders in the foreground of the
field, while to the left, near a cluster of trees,
stands a tent that likely serves as the pavilion. The
expansive sky, rendered in subtle shades, provides
an atmospheric backdrop that is quintessentially
Daniell. These details not only showcase the
artist’s mastery but also document the cultural and
recreational aspects of British colonial life in India.
The location shown in the painting is possibly The Island in
Madras, the sole cricket ground at the time. The painting is
also a rare find due to its medium of oil on canvas. While Thomas
Daniell is renowned for the watercolours and aquatints produced
during his travels in India, his oil paintings are far less common.
This distinction is further amplified by the fact that most of Daniell’s oil
works are housed in prestigious museum collections in India and abroad,
making them largely inaccessible to private collectors. This work thus
represents a significant and rare opportunity for enthusiasts of colonial
art to acquire a unique example of Daniell’s mastery in a medium that
diverges from his more widely celebrated works.