Thomas Daniell had gained permission from the East India Company in December 1784 to ‘proceed to Bengal to follow his profession as an engraver’ with his nephew William as his assistant and apprentice. The Daniells travelled out to India via China, reaching Whampoa on the Atlas Indiaman in August 1785. After the long voyage they spent some months on the Canton River, sketching and painting the ‘sweet romantic scenery’ before taking a coastal vessel back to Calcutta.

In July 1786, just a few months after arrival in Calcutta, Thomas announced his proposal to publish twelve coloured aquatints of the city. The Twelve Views were issued in two sets of six, completed in ...