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1809 · Best.-Nr. 41444 — London: William Miller 1809. Hand-coloured aquatint engraving by D. Havell after Henry Salt on wove paper watermark 'J Whatman'. A view of Lucknow showing the famous Asafi Mosque. Henry Salt artist traveller diplomat and collector of antiquities was born at Lichfield Staffordshire England on 14 June 1780. He was determined to become a portrait-painter and upon leaving school was taught drawing by Glover the watercolour-painter of Lichfield. In 1797 he went to London to study with Joseph Farington R.A. and then with John Hoppner R.A. in 1800. The turning point in his career was 3 June 1802 when Salt left London for an Eastern tour with George viscount Valentia afterwards Lord Mountnorris whom he accompanied as secretary and draughtsman. He visited India Sri Lanka and Abyssinia returning to England on 26 Oct. 1806. He made many drawings some of which served to illustrate Lord Valentia's Voyages and Travels to India published in 1809. The present image is from a work titled Twenty-four Views in St. Helena the Cape India Ceylon the Red Sea Abyssinia and Egypt published by William Miller with hand-coloured aquatints by D. Havell and J. Bluck from Salt's own drawings. The originals of all these drawings were retained by Lord Valentia who also retained the ownership of the copper plates after Salt's death. The format and style of presentation of the plates is similar to Thomas and William Daniell's great work Oriental Scenery 1795-1808 and displays great artistry by both Salt and his engravers. The Asafi Mosque is part of the larger Bara Imambara complex which was commissioned by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula the fourth Nawab of Awadh in 1784 and was completed in 1791. The Asafi Mosque follows the Mughal architectural style characterized by grand arches domes and intricate designs. The mosque is a prominent example of the cultural and artistic heritage of the region during the Nawabi era. Abbey Travel II 515 no.3. William Miller unknown