Indian Drums by William Gibb

Indian Drums by William Gibb

C. 1888

Chromolithograph

Rendered with exceptional clarity by the celebrated Scottish artist and master illustrator William Gibb, this late nineteenth-century print depicts a group of traditional Indian Drums: a large, horizontally suspended wooden barrel drum decorated with elaborate red and gold patterns (top), a vertically oriented, striped m'ridang secured by heavy leather braces and tuning blocks (bottom left), and a small, elegantly patterned copper tabla drum featuring fine geometric motifs (bottom right). This artwork was executed as a rich chromolithograph and published in 1888. The composition beautifully showcases the distinct materials and construction of South Asian percussion, replicating the texture of the taut rawhide heads, tension cords, and painted decorative finishes against a clean, neutral backdrop. This specific plate provides an accurate historical record of these traditional musical instruments, documenting their unique physical structures and craftsmanship during the late nineteenth century.

This plate was originally produced for the landmark publication Musical Instruments, Historic, Rare and Unique, written by musicologist Alfred James Hipkins. During the late nineteenth century, a growing European fascination with ethnomusicology and antiquarianism fueled a desire to visually preserve rare cultural artifacts before they disappeared. Gibb became highly celebrated for his exceptional ability to translate the complex textures of historic objects into print media.

Dimensions: H 11 ¾” x 16”W

Condition: In very good condition