Buy a hand made painting of Title (Original): Plan of the Fort and Pettah of Ummulneir which Surrendered on the 30th November 1818, To the Field Force in Candeish under the personal Command of Lieutt. Colonel Samuel Huskyson. - 19th Century, military cartography

Q: Is Title (Original): Plan of the Fort and Pettah of Ummulneir which Surrendered on the 30th November 1818, To the Field Force in Candeish under the personal Command of Lieutt. Colonel Samuel Huskyson. under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

Q: What is the thematic context of Title (Original): Plan of the Fort and Pettah of Ummulneir which Surrendered on the 30th November 1818, To the Field Force in Candeish under the personal Command of Lieutt. Colonel Samuel Huskyson.?

military cartography, british colonial expansion, topographical watercolor style, historical military record, surveying and reconnaissance

Quick Facts

Title: Plan of the Fort and Pettah of Ummulneir
Artistic style: Historical cartographic painting
Year: 1818
Dimensions: 28 x 28 cm
Artist: Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Blacker
Notable elements: River, bridge, buildings, and figures

Artwork Description

A Cartographic Window into the Past

In this exquisite watercolor from 1818, we are invited to step through a portal of time, transported to a pivotal moment in military and colonial history. The work, titled Plan of the Fort and Pettah of Ummulneir, is far more than a mere topographical record; it is a delicate, hand-colored window into the landscape of early nineteenth-century India. Created by Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Blacker, the piece captures the precise moment of surrender following the siege of November 1818. Through his masterful use of watercolor, Blacker transforms what could have been a dry military document into a breathing, atmospheric scene where the architecture of the fort and the bustling life of the Pettah coexist in a quiet, historical tension.

The composition unfolds with a remarkable sense of depth, guiding the viewer’s eye across a river that serves as both a physical boundary and a reflective mirror for the sky. The artist employs a muted, vintage palette—soft ochres, faded greens, and gentle earth tones—that evokes the weathered parchment of an ancient map. This choice of color does not merely suggest age; it imbues the scene with a sense of nostalgia and reverence. As we observe the tiny, meticulously rendered figures scattered along the water's edge and the solitary boat drifting upon the river, we feel the pulse of a civilization caught in the gears of historical change.

The Intersection of Military Precision and Artistic Grace

What makes this piece truly captivating for collectors and historians alike is the seamless marriage of Blacker’s dual identities as a surveyor and an artist. As a man who would later serve as the Surveyor General of India, his eye for detail is unerring. Every structure, bridge, and fortification is placed with a geometric intentionality that speaks to his military training. Yet, this precision is softened by the fluid, organic nature of the watercolor medium. The way light seems to catch the ripples in the water or the subtle shadows cast by the buildings suggests an artist deeply attuned to the ephemeral beauty of the natural world.

For the interior designer or art enthusiast, this work offers a sophisticated layer of storytelling. It possesses a quiet dignity that complements classical and transitional decor, providing a focal point that invites contemplation rather than mere observation. The piece functions as a conversation starter, bridging the gap between the rigorous discipline of cartography and the emotive power of fine art. To possess a reproduction of such a work is to hold a fragment of the 19th century, preserving the spirit of an era defined by exploration, conquest, and the meticulous documentation of the unknown.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

early life and education

lieutenant colonel valentine blacker, a renowned artist and military officer, was born in armagh, northern ireland in 1778. his family had an ancestral home in the barony of oneilland east. blacker's early life is not well-documented, but it is known that he obtained a commission in the madras cavalry in 1798.

military career

1799: made a cornet in the madras cavalry
1800: aide-de-camp to colonel stevenson in the wayanad district
1810: quartermaster-general
1817: served in deccan, promoted to lieutenant-colonel
1823: took over as surveyor general of india from john hodgson

artistic contributions

blackers' artistic talents are evident in his watercolor paintings, showcasing his mastery of color and light. some notable works include: lieutenant colonel valentine blacker's plan of the operations of the reserve of the deckan army (1818), a watercolor piece depicting the operations of the reserve of the deckan army under brigadier general thomas munro.

plan of the operations (29 x 20 cm, kalakriti archives, hyderabad, india, watercolour)
plan of the environs (kalakriti archives, hyderabad, india, paper)
plan of the attack (28 x 26 cm, kalakriti archives, hyderabad, india, watercolour)

legacy and death

blacker's contributions to the trigonometrical survey of india are a testament to his scientific approach. he was stationed in calcutta from 1823 until his death from a fever in 1826. blacker was buried in south park street cemetery, calcutta. notable collections featuring blacker's work:

the museum northern ireland civil service art collection (united kingdom)
la academia real de ulster (belfast, reino unido)

blackers' artistic legacy continues to be celebrated through his works, showcasing the intersection of art and military service.

lieutenant colonel valentine blacker

1778 - 1826 , Republic of Ireland

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Watercolor
Date Of Birth: 1778-10-19
Date Of Death: 1826-02-04
Full Name: Valentine Blacker
Nationality: Irish
Notable Artworks:
- Plan of the Combat at Ashtee
- Plan of the Hill Fort of Sattara
- Plan of the Assault of the Fort of Taulneir
Place Of Birth: Armagh, Republic of Ireland