The late eighteenth century saw a flurry of European artistic activity in India. Attracted by its landscapes and culture, but most especially by the lucrative opportunities opened up by the East India Company, Britain's artists hurried to India. First among these was Johan Zoffany, sometime court painter to King George III and a founder member of the Royal Academy. Arriving in Calcutta in September 1783 he was soon mining a rich stream of patronage. Yet the great majority of his time would be spent not in European Calcutta but in Lucknow, capital of the state of Awadh. The paintings he made there, which are the focus of this talk, reveal a great deal about Britain's eighteenth century encounter with India. A time when Britons rubbed shoulders with India on the edge of empire, but also spread the tentacles of trade, government and military power across the subcontinent.

The Speaker

Robert Baxter has lived, worked and travelled in Asia for the last 35 years. He is currently a senior communications executive with The Hong Kong Jockey Club. He is completing a book on Britain's artistic encounter with India titled Art, Ambition and Empire: How Britain's artists came, saw and painted India 1770-1800.

Programme

Venue: Online Event

Admission:  Zoom links are free for members of RASHK and sister societies only. Non-members are welcome depending on availability.

Registration: Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration. 

Registration will be closed at 12 noon on 10 March 2023. 

Zoom links will be sent before or by 1pm on 10 March 2023.