Purchase a copy of Title (Original): Plan of the Attack of Chakun which Surrendd. on the 26th Feby 1818 to a Detacht. from the 1st Division of the Army of the Deckan Commanded by Lieutt. Coll. Deacon.

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military map, battle plan, historical map, watercolor, india campaign, cartography, 19th century

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Oil Painting Reproduction
lieutenant colonel valentine blacker
Title (Original): Plan of the Attack of Chakun which Surrendd. on the 26th Feby 1818 to a Detacht. from the 1st Division of the Army of the Deckan Commanded by Lieutt. Coll. Deacon.

Quick Facts

Artist: Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Blacker
Artistic style: Cartographic watercolor
Dimensions: 28 x 26 cm
Subject or theme: Military campaign in Deccan, 1818
Notable elements: Detailed terrain and town layout
Title: Plan of the Attack of Chakun

Artwork Description

A Cartographic Masterpiece: The Siege of Chakun

In the delicate interplay between military precision and artistic expression lies Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Blacker’s 1818 watercolor, a profound historical document titled Plan of the Attack of Chakun. This piece is far more than a mere tactical map; it is a window into a pivotal moment of the Deccan campaign. Through the soft, translucent layers of watercolor, Blacker captures the tension of the surrender on February 26th, 1818, transforming a strategic layout of terrain and troop movements into a captivating narrative of conquest and geography. For the discerning collector, this work offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of nineteenth-century cartography and fine art, where every stroke of the brush serves both to inform the eye and to evoke the atmosphere of a bygone era.

The technique employed by Blacker showcases the remarkable skill of an officer trained in the meticulous observation required for surveying. The watercolor medium allows for a subtle gradation of tones, illustrating the undulating landscape, the winding paths of rivers, and the strategic positioning of the 1st Division of the Army of the Deccan. There is a rhythmic quality to the way the towns and villages are rendered, appearing as vital nodes within a larger, living ecosystem of conflict. The artist’s ability to balance the rigid requirements of a military plan with the fluid, organic beauty of the natural terrain creates a visual harmony that is both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing.

Beyond its historical utility, the painting possesses an emotional depth that resonates with those who appreciate the weight of history. One can almost feel the gravity of the command held by Lieutenant Colonel Deacon as his forces moved through the Deccan landscape. The piece serves as a silent witness to the maneuvers and the eventual surrender of Chakun, imbuing the paper with a sense of permanence and consequence. It is an evocative study of movement and stillness, of the calculated aggression of war contrasted against the enduring presence of the earth itself.

For interior designers and art enthusiasts, this reproduction offers a sophisticated focal point for any curated space. Its muted palette and intricate detail make it an ideal addition to a library, a study, or a gallery wall dedicated to historical exploration. As a high-quality hand-painted reproduction, it brings the scholarly prestige of Blacker’s legacy into the modern home, providing a conversation piece that invites viewers to linger over its details and contemplate the complex tapestry of human history and artistic devotion.

Artist Biography

early life and education

lieutenant colonel valentine blacker, a renowned artist and military officer, was born in armagh, northern ireland in 1778. his family had an ancestral home in the barony of oneilland east. blacker's early life is not well-documented, but it is known that he obtained a commission in the madras cavalry in 1798.

military career

1799: made a cornet in the madras cavalry
1800: aide-de-camp to colonel stevenson in the wayanad district
1810: quartermaster-general
1817: served in deccan, promoted to lieutenant-colonel
1823: took over as surveyor general of india from john hodgson

artistic contributions

blackers' artistic talents are evident in his watercolor paintings, showcasing his mastery of color and light. some notable works include: lieutenant colonel valentine blacker's plan of the operations of the reserve of the deckan army (1818), a watercolor piece depicting the operations of the reserve of the deckan army under brigadier general thomas munro.

plan of the operations (29 x 20 cm, kalakriti archives, hyderabad, india, watercolour)
plan of the environs (kalakriti archives, hyderabad, india, paper)
plan of the attack (28 x 26 cm, kalakriti archives, hyderabad, india, watercolour)

legacy and death

blacker's contributions to the trigonometrical survey of india are a testament to his scientific approach. he was stationed in calcutta from 1823 until his death from a fever in 1826. blacker was buried in south park street cemetery, calcutta. notable collections featuring blacker's work:

the museum northern ireland civil service art collection (united kingdom)
la academia real de ulster (belfast, reino unido)

blackers' artistic legacy continues to be celebrated through his works, showcasing the intersection of art and military service.

lieutenant colonel valentine blacker

1778 - 1826 , Republic of Ireland

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Watercolor
Date Of Birth: 1778-10-19
Date Of Death: 1826-02-04
Full Name: Valentine Blacker
Nationality: Irish
Notable Artworks:
- Plan of the Combat at Ashtee
- Plan of the Hill Fort of Sattara
- Plan of the Assault of the Fort of Taulneir
Place Of Birth: Armagh, Republic of Ireland