Suttee, with Lord Hastings shown as accepting bribes to allow its continuation. Coloured aquatint by T. Rowlandson, 1815, after Quiz.
- Quiz, active 1816.
- Date:
- 1 November 1815
- Reference:
- 10950i
- Pictures
- Online
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Description
In the centre, suttee. Left background, a man swinging on hooks. Right, Brahmin priests bribing the 2nd Earl of Moira (from 7 December 1816 1st Marquess of Hastings), Governor General of Bengal, to allow suttee, with the agreement of Thomas Middleton, first bishop of Calcutta
Publication/Creation
London (No. 111 Cheapside) : T. Tegg, 1 November 1815.
Physical description
1 print : aquatint, with watercolour ; image 11.4 x 19.2 cm
Lettering
The burning system illustrated.
The lettering assigned to Hastings reads: "This custom tho' shocking to humanity we still allow in consequence of the revenue it brings in, which is of importance. I have also private reasons for not suppressing the burning system immediately". The lettering assigned to the Bishop of Calcutta reads: "Why my Lord with a view to oeconomy under existing circumstances it might be imprudent to press the measure at present, besides I think I feel also the private motives which actuates your Lordship."
Creator/production credits
The attribution to Combe is suggested in the Abbey catalogue but not entertained in the British Museum catalogue
References note
British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. IX, London 1949, no. 12723
Travel in aquatint and lithography 1770-1860 from the library of J.R. Abbey, vol. II, London 1957, no. 437.6
C. A. Bayly (ed.), "The Raj: India and the British 1600-1947", London 1990, pl. 279, p. 222
Reference
Wellcome Collection 10950i
Type/Technique
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Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores