Suttee - an Indian woman burns herself with the corpse of her husband, from Voyage aux Indes, Orientales et la Chine, by Pierre Sonnerat, engraved by Poisson, published 1782

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "Suttee - an Indian woman burns herself with the corpse of her husband, from Voyage aux Indes, Orientales et la Chine, by Pierre Sonnerat, engraved by Poisson, published 1782", originally brought to life by the talented Pierre Sonnerat. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to Pierre Sonnerat and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

"Suttee - an Indian woman burns herself with the corpse of her husband" is an evocative and historically significant engraving by Poisson, published in 1782 as part of the travelogue "Voyage aux Indes, Orientales et la Chine" by Pierre Sonnerat. This work captures the controversial and tragic practice of sati (also spelled suttee), a now-outlawed Hindu funeral custom where a widow would self-immolate on her husband's funeral pyre. The engraving is a poignant visual representation of this ritual, which was practiced in some parts of India until the 19th century.

Pierre Sonnerat, a French naturalist and explorer, documented his extensive travels through India, Southeast Asia, and China in his publication. His work provides a European perspective on the cultures and traditions he encountered, often blending observation with the era's prevailing attitudes and misconceptions. The engraving by Poisson, based on Sonnerat's descriptions, serves as a visual supplement to the text, aiming to convey the dramatic and somber nature of the sati practice to a European audience.

The image itself is meticulously detailed, depicting the moment of self-immolation with a sense of gravity and solemnity. The widow is shown in traditional attire, surrounded by flames, with her deceased husband's body beside her. The background often includes onlookers and elements of the funeral pyre, emphasizing the communal aspect of the ritual and the societal pressures that influenced the widow's decision.

This engraving is not only an artistic representation but also a historical document that reflects the complexities of cultural practices and the ways they were perceived and recorded by foreign observers. It serves as a reminder of the historical context in which sati was practiced and the eventual efforts to abolish it, led by reformers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the British colonial administration in the 19th century. The abolition of sati was a significant milestone in the broader movement towards women's rights and social reform in India.

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