Solvyns was born in Antwerp and sailed for India in 1790. Sometime in 1793, though possibly earlier, Solvyns began work on what was to become his life consuming project, a collection of etchings portraying the natives of India in their costumes, occupation and cultural life ... it was the most ambitious publishing venture yet taken in India. For sometime, Solvyns had wandered with his sketchbook, drawing Indians in their occupational pursuits, their festivals and ...
