Buy a print of Title (Original): An Actual Survey, of the Provinces of Bengal, Bahar & c. by Major James Rennell Esq. Engineer to the Honorable the East India Company. Published by Permission of the Court of Directors from a Drawing in their Possession by A. Dury.

Q: What topics does Title (Original): An Actual Survey, of the Provinces of Bengal, Bahar & c. by Major James Rennell Esq. Engineer to the Honorable the East India Company. Published by Permission of the Court of Directors from a Drawing in their Possession by A. Dury. explore?

cartography, bengal map, india survey, vintage map, historical map, geography

Q: What is the thematic context of Title (Original): An Actual Survey, of the Provinces of Bengal, Bahar & c. by Major James Rennell Esq. Engineer to the Honorable the East India Company. Published by Permission of the Court of Directors from a Drawing in their Possession by A. Dury.?

scientific cartography, east india company rule, colonial expansion, geographical survey accuracy, imperial administration tool

Q: Is Title (Original): An Actual Survey, of the Provinces of Bengal, Bahar & c. by Major James Rennell Esq. Engineer to the Honorable the East India Company. Published by Permission of the Court of Directors from a Drawing in their Possession by A. Dury. under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

Quick Facts

Dimensions: 108 x 151 cm
Artist: Major James Rennell
Notable elements: Original wash colours, detailed labels
Subject or theme: Geography and colonial survey of India
Title: An Actual Survey of Bengal, Bahar & c.
Medium: Hand-painted reproduction of a map

Artwork Description

A Cartographic Masterpiece: The Vision of Bengal

In the annals of geographical discovery, few works command as much reverence as Major James Rennell’s 1783 survey, An Actual Survey, of the Provinces of Bengal, Bahar & c. This breathtaking piece is far more than a mere navigational tool; it is a profound intersection of scientific precision and imperial ambition. As one gazes upon this reproduction, one is immediately transported to the late 18th century, an era defined by the expansion of the East India Company and the meticulous documentation of the unknown. The map serves as a window into a world being systematically measured, categorized, and brought under the gaze of the British Crown, making it a captivating centerpiece for any collector of historical or colonial-era art.

The artistry of the piece lies in its incredible technical detail and the delicate use of original wash colors. Each subha, or district, is distinguished by soft, hand-painted hues that breathe life into the terrain, allowing the viewer to trace the intricate veins of rivers, the dense networks of swamps, and the vital arteries of trade roads. The composition is a masterclass in balance; while the vastness of the Ganges and Nerbudla river systems dominates the visual field, the deliberate vagueness applied to the distant Himalayan ranges reflects the true spirit of 18th-century empiricism—a commitment to recording only what could be scientifically verified. For the interior designer, this map offers a sophisticated texture, blending the organic flow of natural geography with the structured elegance of classical cartography.

The Symbolism of Power and Discovery

Beyond its topographical accuracy, the work carries a heavy symbolic weight, acting as a silent witness to the foundation of the ‘Company Raj.’ Every meticulously labeled village and every delineated path represents the encroaching influence of the East India Company. The map was envisioned by Warren Hastings not merely for military strategy, but as a "Doomsday Book" for Bengal—a tool for taxation, property registration, and social oversight. This layer of historical gravity adds an intellectual depth to the artwork, making it a conversation piece that invites contemplation on how knowledge and mapping have historically been used as instruments of governance.

The presence of subtle decorative elements, such as the dedication by publisher Andrew Dury and the occasional inclusion of period-specific motifs, lends the work a sense of narrative depth. It captures a moment in time when the boundaries of the known world were being redrawn through the sweat and science of pioneers like Rennell. For those seeking to adorn a study, library, or grand hall, this reproduction offers an evocative emotional impact, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the Age of Discovery and a profound respect for the meticulous craftsmanship that defined an era of global transformation.

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Artist Biography

early life and contributions to geography

major james rennell, frs, frse, frgs, a prominent figure in the realm of geography and oceanography, was born on december 3, 1742, in the united kingdom. his work not only bridged the gap between these two disciplines but also set the foundation for modern geographical studies. * **pioneering oceanography**: rennell is often referred to as the “father of oceanography”, a testament to his groundbreaking contributions to the field. * **accurate maps of bengal and india**: his detailed maps, produced at a scale of one inch to five miles, remain some of the most accurate geographical representations of his time.

notable artworks and their significance

while rennell's primary focus was on geography and oceanography, his influence can also be seen in the artistic community. though not a painter himself, his work has inspired numerous artists who have captured the essence of geographical discovery through their art. * walter westley russell’s artwork, "bertram sidney thomas (1892–1950), explorer and arabist", is a notable example. this piece not only reflects the spirit of exploration but also pays homage to rennell's legacy. * the faculty of asian and middle eastern studies in cambridge, united kingdom, houses an impressive collection that includes artworks inspired by rennell’s contributions to geography.

legacy and impact on modern geography

* **founding member of the royal geographical society**: in 1830, rennell was one of the founders of this prestigious institution in london. * **influence on contemporary art and geography**: his work continues to inspire both artists and geographers, demonstrating the enduring impact of his contributions.

for more information on major james rennell, frs, frse, frgs, visit https://ArtsDot.com/@/major-james-rennell-frs-frse-frgs
explore the faculty of asian and middle eastern studies collection at /en/art/show/art-d3bnn9-en/
discover the tate modern, a hub for modern and contemporary art, at https://ArtsDot.com/@@/a@d3bb9k-tate-modern:-o-museu-de-arte-contemporanea-na-gra-bretanha

major james rennell, frs, frse, frgs

1742 - 1830 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Walter Westley Russell']
Date Of Birth: December 3, 1742
Date Of Death: March 29, 1830
Full Name: James Rennell
Nationality: British
Notable Artworks:
- A Bengal Atlas
- Map of the Provinces of Delhi
Place Of Birth: Chidley, United Kingdom

18th Century Masters: 10 Artworks That Define an Era | ArtsDot

Major James Rennell, Frs, Frse, Frgs: The Full Collection

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Title (Original): A Map of the Provinces of Delhi, Agrah, Oude, and Ellahabad, comprehending the Countries lying between Delhi, and the Bengal-Provinces, Surveyed by Major James Rennell, Surveyor General to the Honorable East-India Company, and Publi....

Title (Original): An Actual Survey, of the Provinces of Bengal, Bahar & c. by Major James Rennell Esq. Engineer to the Honorable the East India Company. Published by Permission of the Court of Directors from a Drawing in their Possession by A. Dury.

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Quick Facts

early life and contributions to geography

notable artworks and their significance

legacy and impact on modern geography