The Flemish artist Baltazard Solvyns, residing in Calcutta from 1791 until 1804, produced a remarkable series of etchings depicting the people and culture he observed. First published in Calcutta in 1796 and 1799, and then in a four volume edition, Les Hindou's published in Paris, 1808-12, the etchings include portrayals of 36 musical instruments as well as prints of the nautch and a Hindu "dancing girl". These etchings represent, in most instances, the ...
