Context (CMS Context)
(Bio) Lieutenant Samuel Pasfield Oliver, (Captain: 1871), Royal Artillery, visited Madagascar during 1861-2, and witnessed King Radama II’s coronation at Antananarivo (23 Sept 1861), and returned later in 1863 on HMS Rapid following the King’s presumed assassination, (12 May 1863).

The Annual Report for 1893 notes that Captain S. Pasfield Oliver, late R.A., gave a collection of "fifty-nine sketches and finished drawings in pencil, in;, and water colours, of prehistoric stone monuments, tumuli, and burial places, sketched by the donor in England, the Channel Islands, Brittany, Etruria, Sardinia, Greece, the Troad, Madagasgar, Japan and" as well as a number of books to the library". It is likely that the Madagascan material here accessioned as 2011.96-232 is part of this donation. Transferred from the Haddon library in a card folio in 2010.

The Rova of Antananarivo, situated on the Analamanga hill, in the capital city of Antananarivo, is the royal palace complex. The Isonerana Palace, (previously Isoaierana) lies between Antananarivo and Ambohidzanahary hill.
Event Date 12/10/2011
Author: maa

Description (CMS Description)
Watercolour and pencil painting on paper, mounted on cardboard. Painting shows view from the top of a mountain with a rock formation on the cliff. The view is of green plains, a house settlement surrounded by trees, farmed land, lakes and a river. Five figures are in the foreground. Inscription: 'The execution ground', signed 'S.Pasfield Oliver, Lieut: R.A., A.D.C.', 'The Ankaratra Mountain (8000 foot) from S. extremity hill on which Antananarivo stands. The R. Ikopa to rice fields', 'Palace of Isoanirana [likely to be a mis-transcription of Isoaierana] surrounded by circular avenue of Aviavy (fig tress)'. '12th August 1862, Ambohipotsy the execution ground'. Mount has '21' in pencil on the front and '410/0' on the back.
Event Date 12/10/2011
Author: maa