Lot 136
TWO ENGRAVINGS RELATING TO THE DEFEAT OF TIPU SULTAN, 1793-1799
Auction: 10 June 2026 from 14:00 BST
Description
etching and etching in colour, comprising Joseph Grozer (British 1755-1799) after Henry Singleton (British 1766-1839) The Marquis Cornwallis receiving the hostage princes; and Francesco Bartolozzi (Italian 1727-1815) after Henry Singleton (British 1766-1839) The departure of the sons of Tippoo from the Zenana, 1793), mounted glazed and framed
Dimensions
plate 65.4cm x 78.7cm; sight seen: 47cm x 58.8cm
Provenance
Acquired from Christies in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Private collection, Aberdeenshire.
Footnote
Tipu Sultan (1751-1799) was the Sultan of Mysore between 1782-1799. More commonly known as Sher-e-Mysore or the Tiger of Mysore he was a fierce opponent of the British. He pioneered new weaponry including rocket artillery which was used to repel British during many battles in the Anglo-Mysore wars. During the 3rd Mysore war (1790-1792) Lieutenant-General Lord Cornwallis, Governor General of India besieged Tipu Sultan in his fortified island capital of Seringapatam. The siege was ended when Tipu Sultan agreed to conceding a large part of his kingdom to the British. Not trusting the Sultan Cornwallis demanded two of Tipu’s sons as hostages to ensure that the terms of treaty were delivered.
Both of these etchings portray the young Princes Abdul Khaliq (aged ten) and Mohin-ud-din (aged eight), leaving their father’s city. Accounts speak of the grandeur of their journey with processions of elephants, camels and standard bearers triumphantly signally their departure. They were received by Cornwallis with a 21-gun salute, and were each presented with a gold watch. In return, the princes presented Cornwallis with a fine Persian sword. In March 1794, on the fulfilment of his promises, the hostages were returned to their father.