Landscape near Marinalli (Mysore); a tank and mountains in the distance, a load-rest in the foreground - 3 March 1799

Water-colour painting of a landscape near Marinalli with a tank and mountains in the distance and a load-rest in the foreground by Elisha Trapaud (1750-1828), dated 3 March 1799. Inscribed on the back in ink is: 'No. 4 near Marinelli. 3rd March 17(99).'

This sketch and three others were made during the advance of the British forces under General Harris on Seringapatam. Trapaud served with the Madras engineers between 1778 and 1828. He became a captain in 1784 and was appointed Chief Engineer of Madras in 1793. He served in the Mysore Wars and was a good amateur actor. In 1788 he published a book of uncoloured aquatints, ‘Twenty Views of India’. This image is one of 15 drawings in South India and England. Although only two of these drawings are signed by Trapaud, all were purchased at the same time together with an engraving on the assault of Seringapatam inscribed: 'Capt. E. Trapaud, my Great Grandfather on my Mother’s side, was at the storming of Seringapatam – his great grandson – Willoughby Briggs has his medal - given the action. Nina Macaulay.' It is not unreasonable to assume that all these sketches are by Trapaud.

Source : British Library