SOLTYKOFF Alexis Voyage dans l’Inde.

Walding, Stone, Nair, « The Russian prince and the raja of Travancore”, Journal of Kerala Studies, 2009, pp.10-80.

Second edition.

Illustrated with a map and 36 colored lithographs by Robineau, Cupper, Walter, and Rudder, based on the author’s drawings.
A Russian diplomat and artist, Prince Aleksei Saltykov is known throughout Europe as Alexis Soltykoff.

In 1841-1843 and 1845-1846, the prince traveled throughout India, crossing princely states, ancient and new empires, and territories governed by the British East India Company.

His impressions marked a turning point in popular Russian discourse on India, its role in world politics, and the impact of British imperialism. Art and politics are closely linked in Soltykoff’s work. His portraits depict heads of state, and his writings offer insight into India’s regional powers during a period of upheaval.

Soltykoff arrived in India with many preconceptions shaped by his previous experiences in Russia and Persia and by his interactions with his fellow travelers. However, he overcame these and offered new observations, particularly his reactions to different peoples, their cultures, and the effect of their different religions on their daily lives.

The texts and illustrations he brings back form the basis of inspiration for many Orientalist painters, notably Delacroix, who makes copies based on Rudder’s engravings that appear in this work (Louvre, inv. RF 10044; RF 10045, and RF 10046).

Missing without affecting the text at the bottom of page 167 of volume I. Plate 36 bound between 28 and 29 in volume II.

Foxing, but a good copy in its attractive, perfectly preserved publisher’s buckram binding.