Lot 886 , Captain E.A. McCurdy (19th C.) Botanical studies of Indian fruits 11.5 x 15in., housed in hand painted simulated bamboo frames

Captain E.A. McCurdy (19th C.)
13 watercolours with gum arabic on paper
Botanical studies of Indian fruits one inscribed 'drawn by Captain McCurdy'
11.5 x 15in., housed in hand painted simulated bamboo frames
Estimate £800-1,200

Captain E.A.McCurdy - author of Views of the Neilgherries, Blue Mountains of Coimbetoor, Southern India, 1830 and Three Panoramic Views of Ottacamund, the chief station on the Neilgherries or Blue Mountains of Coimbetore.... c.1830.

These gouache come from a local private family who have had them stored in their attic for many years, generally the paper does not appear to be laid down and shows undulation, they all show some degree of creasing along with discolouration of the paper and various dirt and fox marks, all are titled in pencil, and housed in the original rather lovely simulated bamboo painted frames which equally are rather scuffed. These are paper laid down onto a fine canvas like backing many years ago. Individual comments below.


Cashew nut - titled both top and bottom, one diagonal cut mark running through the fruit and further diagonal tears showing towards the bottom right
Mangoelien - pronounced crease marks running horizontally across the work, flaking to the green paint, notable water stains and dirt / mould marking on the paper
Rambae - Looks a little more cropped than the others, approx. 1cm shorter at the top and bottom than most of the other images
Young pineapple - no glass, section missing from top right and bottom left corners, and a repaired hole just above 9 o'clock
Betel nut - diagonal crease marks, more discoloured paper than the others and pronounced water stain running across the bottom
Variegated pineapple - horizontal crease marks
Tea plant - slightly more wrinkled paper than the others
Clove - no further comment
Jack Fruit - inscribed drawn by Captn McCurdy lower right and numbered 15, one notable crease top left and flaking to the green paint in the leaves, otherwise as per the main description
Mango - glass broken, flaking in the green paint, water stains at the bottom
Water melon - flaking where it appears to have been folded vertically down the middle at some point.
Rambootan - diagonal and horizontal crease marks, slight flaking in the green paint
Nutmeg - slightly heavier spotting than some of the others, slight flaking in the green


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £6,000