Lot 137
C.G LEWIS (BRITISH 1808-1880), AFTER THOMAS JONES BARKER (BRITISH 1813-1882)
THE RELIEF OF LUCKNOW AND TRIUMPHANT MEETING OF HAVELOCK, OUTRAM AND SIR COLIN CAMPBELL, NOVEMBER 1857
Auction: 10 June 2026 from 14:00 BST
Description
mixed method engraving, on india proof paper, early state before title, signed by Barker and Lewis in pencil, published by Thos. Agnew & Sons, Manchester, Liverpool and London, 1862
Dimensions
Framed 106cm x 161cm; image size: 66cm x 124.5cm
Provenance
Christies, The Travel sale, 28th September 2001, Lot 356.
Private collection, Aberdeenshire.
Footnote
This is a rare early engraving signed by both the artist and the engraver, accurately capturing the drama of the original oil painting currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery (NPG 5851). This historically important picture portrays the relief and evacuation of Lucknow where the British Residency had been besieged from May to November 1857. The city was one of the major centres of the Indian rebellion and Independence movement in the North of India.
Major-General Sir James Outram was a key British commander during the 1857 Indian Mutiny who led the first relief of the besieged Lucknow Residency alongside Sir Henry Havelock in September 1857. Whilst Outram outranked Havelock, Outram allowed him to retain command until the end. Outram became trapped himself before finally being relieved by Sir Colin Campbell in November 1857. The picture depicts the triumphant meeting of the three following the siege.
The original version in oils is now in the National Portrait Gallery, London (NPG5851).