Portrait of a Money-Lender, Malabar (circa 1790)
This Malabar Hindoo was a well known wealthy money-lender, and possessed an uncommonly keen wisdom in his region. He would lend his money at exorbitant interest, and was perhaps the most remorseless creditor in the world if payment was not made at the stipulated time.
Steel engraving by Henry Bryan Hall (1808 – 1884), after drawing by William Daniell R. A. (1769 – 1837), later hand coloured
Size: 7.75 x 4.75 in. (19.7 x 12.1 cms.)
Date of printing – 1836