Une Nautch, from "Twenty four Plates Illustrative of Hindoo and European Manners in Bengal" 1832

Alexandre-Marie Colin’s "Une Nautch," from his 1832 series "Twenty-four Plates Illustrative of Hindoo and European Manners in Bengal", depicts a scene of social interaction between European and Indian figures. The print showcases a group of European women listening to a group of Indian musicians performing a "nautch," a traditional Indian dance performance, highlighting the cultural exchange and encounters during the British colonial period in India. The print's vivid colors and detailed depiction of the costumes and setting offer a glimpse into the diverse social and cultural landscape of colonial Bengal, showcasing the visual splendor of Indian traditions and the intriguing fusion of cultures within this historical context.