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JOHN GANTZ and JUSTINIAN GANTZ (lots 259 -263) John, probably of Austrian extraction, was employed as a draftsman, along with his son Justinian Gantz, by the East India Company from approximately 1800-1803. Maps by John Gantz are in the collection of the India Office Library along with four drawings of forts at Bangalore, Ramgherry and Coimbatore, which may be official survey drawings from the same period. The family owned a lithographic press in Popham's Broadway, Madras, and in a list of Madras inhabitants of 1819 John Gantz was described as an 'Architect. Native of India'. Nothing is known of the Gantzs' architectural work, but it is possible that the houses depicted by him and his son were built to their designs (see lots 261-263). Eight drawings of the temples and sculptures of Mahabalipuram are in the collection of the India Office Library, and include versions of the following two watercolours, lots 259 and 260 (see P. Kattenhorn, British Drawings in the India Office Library, London, 1994, vol. III, pp. 145-6, nos. 4206-7, pl. 23). The former bears the inscription 'A view of the Sculptures representing the tapass or penance of Arjoona Mahabalipoorum from a Sketch by Mr. J. Braddock. J. Gantz.' This inscription suggests that Gantz was working together with another artist. Four of the eight views also bear a similar inscription, however Mr Braddock's work is otherwise unknown. Justinian Gantz, John's eldest son is described in the East India Register as a 'Miniature Painter'. He helped his father with the lithographic press and after the first Burma War of 1824-1826 went to Burma as a Company draftsman.

John Gantz (1772-1853)

Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram, near Madras

Details

John Gantz (1772-1853)
Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram, near Madras
signed and dated 'John Gantz/1822.' (lower right) and with inscription 'The Tapago of Arjoon/Mahabalipooram' (on the reverse of the mount)
pencil and watercolour
13¼ x 17½ in. (33.6 x 44.5 cm.)

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The carving in the stone illustrates the myth of the origin of the Ganges. The holy ascetic, Bhagiratha persuaded the gods to allow the river to descend from heaven. To prevent the water flooding the earth Shiva allowed it to flow through his hair and the stone relief shows the gods, people and animals watching the spectacle. The same view was produced in Thomas and William Daniell's Oriental Scenery, 15 October 1799, vol. III, pl. I.

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