Picart, Procession of Ganga and Festival of Huly, 1734, Print

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Title: Procession of Ganga and Festival of Huly – Antique 18th Century India Engraving : This striking copperplate engraving, published … Read more Title: Procession of Ganga and Festival of Huly – Antique 18th Century India Engraving : This striking copperplate engraving, published around 1734, offers two richly detailed scenes depicting religious and cultural festivals in India as seen through the European Enlightenment lens. The engravings are part of the monumental work *The Ceremonies and Religious Customs of Various Nations of the Known World*, a major early ethnographic project led by Bernard Picart and his collaborators. The upper image is titled *La Procession de Ganga* and presents a dramatic interpretation of a Hindu festival or ritual linked to the Ganges River, personified here as the goddess Ganga. The procession includes richly adorned chariots drawn by oxen or horses, surrounded by throngs of participants and onlookers. One of the most striking elements is the depiction of penitents suspended by ropes or poles, suggesting acts of self-mortification, interpreted by European observers as exotic and extreme forms of devotion. The background features iconic temple architecture, mountains, and dense crowds, contributing to the spectacle and scale of the procession. The image is both captivating and complex, combining devotion, public display, and physical endurance. The lower half of the sheet is titled *La Fête de Huly*, an early European rendering of what appears to be the Holi festival — the vibrant Hindu celebration of spring, fertility, and the victory of good over evil. The image captures an animated and colorful dance procession, with participants in ornate costumes and dramatic headpieces, playing musical instruments and engaging in ritual movement. The background includes smoke from a ceremonial fire and palm-lined temples, grounding the celebration in a specific cultural geography. While filtered through a European gaze, the engraving successfully conveys the energy and communal spirit of Holi as both spiritual rite and popular festivity. Together, these two scenes provide a compelling visual record of early modern European interpretations of Indian religious festivals. Though undoubtedly infused with exoticism and misunderstandings, they reflect a sincere effort to document and illustrate the rich cultural diversity of the Indian subcontinent. Condition report: Good overall condition. The print retains a strong impression and fine detail. There is moderate age-related foxing throughout, particularly visible in the margins, and light toning along the edges. The sheet remains stable with no tears or repairs, and the plate marks are clearly visible. Framing suggestion: This tall, two-part composition works best with a vertical mat window that emphasizes both scenes equally. Use a warm off-white or ivory mat to complement the aged paper, and frame in a classic dark wood or black frame to contrast with the fine engraved lines. UV-protective glass and archival mounting materials are recommended to preserve the delicate paper and ink. Consider float mounting to showcase the full margins and plate border. See less