"The Costumes of Hindostan" procured by Delhi-based Aryan Book International from a private dealer in London is out in a new reprint edition.
Born in Antwerp, Solvyns came to India in March 1791 and lived in Kolkata between 1791 and 1803 engaging with the local communities, recreating their lives through his etchings. His collection offers a rich and compelling visual rendering of 18th century Kolkata, bringing to life the people of Bengal, their occupations, festivals and daily life along with the accompanying descriptive text for each sketch.
Solvyns' works include 'A Collection of Two Hundred and Fifty Coloured Etchings Descriptive of the Manners, Customs and Dresses of the Hindoos
