Panoramas were a popular form of entertainment at the beginning
of the 19th century. There was fierce competition among their promoters
to achieve the biggest, most topical, or most realistic panorama.
To guide the audience, printed 'keys' or diagrams were sold, identifying
and explaining the events and personalities depicted.
This woodcut, made by John Lee and exhibited at the Lyceum Theatre,
in the Strand in London, in 1800, shows the powerful and wealthy Tipu
Sultan being overthrown - which was regarded as a major success for
Britain.
Victoria & Albert Museum E.572-1926 (CIS) (1800)
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