Whylock Pendavis, Silversmith's Shop & Madras Men Procession, Port Louis, Mauritius, 1800s, Watercolour

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An original 1880s watercolour painting – Whylock Pendavis, Silversmith's Shop & Madras Men Procession, Port Louis, Mauritius.A wonderful double-sided sheet … Read more An original 1880s watercolour painting – Whylock Pendavis, Silversmith's Shop & Madras Men Procession, Port Louis, Mauritius.A wonderful double-sided sheet of rare late 19th-century views on the island of Mauritius by Whylock Pendavis (1852–1924). Pendavis served as Archdeacon of Mauritius at the beginning of the 20th century. His earlier roles with the Christian Mission on the island included chaplain at St John's Church in Moka in the 1880s and Civil and Military Chaplain at Port Louis in the 1890s.Mauritius was, at this time, under British rule, having been captured in 1810 by British forces and wrested from the French during the Napoleonic Wars.Whylock Pendavis evidently had a lively mind and talented hand. Here he records the dark interior of a 'Silversmith's shop' in Port Louis, and a colourful procession of 'Madras men bringing water for their Temple' at Port Louis. The 19th century saw the movement of skilled Indian jewellers to the Indian Ocean islands. A significant Indian, predominantly Hindu, population existed on the island due to the large number of indentured labourers brought from India by the British to work on the sugar plantations. To this day, Hinduism remains the majority religion in Mauritius.This painting forms part of a fascinating collection of works by Pendavis depicting the landscapes, peoples and festivities of Mauritius in the 19th century.On heavy paper. Dimensions: Height: 19.4cm (7.64") Width: 27.7cm (10.91")Presented: Unframed.Medium: WatercolourAge: Late 19th-centurySigned: No.Inscribed: Inscribed lower left.Dated: --Condition: In good condition for its age. The picture may have minor imperfections such as slight marks, toning, foxing, creasing or pinholes, commensurate with age. Please see photos for detail. See less