C. Smith Indian Dhow Boat

An original 1810 charcoal drawing, C. Smith, Indian Dhow Boat.

An interesting drawing of a native Indian boat, signed C: Smith. This is likely the Scottish artist Charles Smith (1749–1824), who travelled extensively in India. This study, depicting a native dhow, shows the number of men and skilled positions needed to sail and navigate such a boat.

Charles Smith was born in the Orkney Isles and attended the Royal Academy Schools before moving to London to establish himself as an artist under the tutelage of J.H. Mortimer. In 1783, influenced by the experiences of the British portraitist Tilly Kettle (1735–1786), Smith left for India. He was introduced to the nawab of Oudh by John Macpherson, the then governor-general, and also spent time in Calcutta, Madras, Lucknow and probably Delhi, where he may have painted the Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II.

Between 1789 and 1797 Smith returned to the UK, living in London and Edinburgh and exhibiting at the Royal Academy. Then in 1800 he left again for India, working there until 1811. In 1802 he published his second musical work, an opera entitled 'A Trip to Bengal', which was performed at Covent Garden and dedicated to John Macpherson.

He died at Leith in 1824.