Title: 1806 Engraving of Arunachalesvara Temple, Hindu Pagoda on Coromandel Coast
Description: This detailed antique print, titled "Temple ou Pagode des Gentils de la cote de Coromandel," is a copperplate engraving by Jean-Baptiste Marie Poisson, based on an illustration by Pierre Sonnerat, published in the 1806 edition of Sonnerat's "Voyage aux Indes Orientales et à la Chine" by Dentu in Paris.
The artwork depicts the Arunachalesvara Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, a significant Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located on the Coromandel Coast of India. The engraving showcases the temple's architectural grandeur, featuring four towering gopurams (gateway towers) at each cardinal direction, surrounding a complex of smaller shrines, tanks, and courtyards within its fortified walls.
The copperplate engraving technique captures the intricate details of the temple's South Indian Dravidian architecture, with its multi-tiered towers adorned with ornate carvings, reflecting the sacred geometry typical of Hindu temple design.
Sonnerat's documentation of Indian culture and religious sites during his travels provides a valuable historical record, making this print a fascinating artifact of early 19th-century European ethnographic studies. The piece is particularly interesting for its portrayal of the Arunachalesvara Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, symbolizing the element of fire, and its depiction of Hindu spiritual life as observed by a European explorer. The page number "61" and the signatures "P. Sonnerat pinx." (painted by) and "Poisson sc." (engraved by) authenticate its origin. This print is an excellent addition for collectors of antique engravings, architectural art, or those interested in Hindu temple history and colonial-era perspectives on India.
Condition Report: The print displays light age-toning with minor foxing on the edges. The central image is well-preserved with no significant damage. Overall, in good condition for its age.
Framing Tips: Use an acid-free mat to prevent yellowing, and select UV-protective glass to avoid fading. A simple wooden frame with a subtle silver accent complements the print's historical style. Ensure the print does not directly touch the glass.
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