Indian Miniatures

A German artist’s journey to 18th-century India unravels love, betrayal, and identity as he loses his wife to colonial exploitation and is haunted by family ties across continents.

In 1769, Carl von Imhoff, a Württemberg veteran of the Seven Year War and an accomplished miniature painter, embarks on a transformative journey from Plymouth to Kolkata in the service of the East India Company. This voyage quickly takes a tragic turn when Carl loses his wife to the looming shadow of exploitation in India. Branded as sold, his wife’s fate shatters Carl’s world, leading him into a life of fatalism as he finds refuge among the Muses of the Weimar court. Yet, Carl’s ties to India run deep; he cannot escape the memories of his ex-wife, son, and grandson, haunting him across continents. Interwoven with themes of betrayal and the legacies of colonialism, the story explores the complexities of relationships and identity against the backdrop of historical upheaval.

This gripping tale is not just a window into the past but a profound exploration of human emotions that resonate today. Thomas Poeschel’s Indian Miniatures is essential reading for history lovers, fans of literary fiction, and those interested in the intersections of art and colonialism. With its rich character development and evocative setting, this book promises to engage readers who seek deeper understanding of personal and historical narratives. Discover a challenge for readers, to reflect on the enduring impact of love, loss, and identity, in a rapidly changing world.

Thomas Poeschel, born in 1957, studied ethnology and philosophy, experimental film design, and Mesoamerican studies in Munich. He has been an Indian traveler since 1977. He is a German writer and essayist whose work bridges art history, literature, and cultural memory, drawing on studies in ethnology, philosophy, and experimental film in Munich and Berlin. Lives in Barcelona.

Jaime de Córdoba Benedicto, born in Barcelona, is part of a dynasty of sculptors. Sculptor and painter, he has had numerous exhibitions and has created public art in Spain, the Netherlands, and France. From 1990 to 2023, he was Full Professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Barcelona, where he is currently living.