Thomas Daniell Auction Prices and Value Guide
Thomas Daniell auction prices are tracked in Appraisily's artist market index, with source-directory coverage of 421 records. Use this page to review sold-lot activity, market context, and valuation factors before requesting a formal appraisal.
Thomas Daniell auction prices: quick answer
Thomas Daniell auction prices depend on medium, size, date, condition, provenance, edition details, attribution confidence, and recent comparable auction sales.
- Artist
- Thomas Daniell
- Source records
- 421
- Market update
- 2026-02-06
Artist context
About Thomas Daniell
Thomas Daniell (1749–1840) was a British landscape painter, watercolorist, and printmaker whose depictions of India made him one of the most influential visual chroniclers of the subcontinent during the late eighteenth century. The son of an innkeeper, Daniell began his career painting coaches before turning to fine art. In 1785 he embarked on a nine-year journey through India and along the Chinese south coast, accompanied by his nephew and collaborator William Daniell. The expedition yielded celebrated aquatint series including Views of Calcutta (1786–1788) and the multi-part Oriental Scenery (1795–1808), which shaped European perceptions of Indian architecture and landscape for generations. Daniell was elected a Royal Academician in 1799. His work is held by major institutions including the Tate, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Collectors encounter his work today primarily through aquatint prints, oil paintings, and watercolors of Indian and British topographical subjects.
OrientalismBritish landscape paintingoil paintingwatercoloraquatint engravingprintmakingIndian landscapes and architectureViews of CalcuttaChinese south coast sceneryOrientalist themes
Common works and media
Collectors are most likely to encounter Daniell's aquatint prints from his major published series, particularly Views of Calcutta and Oriental Scenery, which depict Indian temples, palaces, cityscapes, and rural landscapes. Original oil paintings of Indian and British topographical subjects also appear at auction, though less frequently than prints. Watercolor drawings and preparatory sketches from the India expedition period represent a smaller but highly valued segment of his market. Works on paper, including sepia wash drawings and hand-colored engravings, constitute a significant portion of surviving material.
Market and appraisal context
Thomas Daniell's works appear regularly at auction, with the market divided between original oil paintings, watercolors, and his more widely available aquatint prints. Complete bound volumes of his major print series command the strongest prices, while individual plates trade at more accessible levels. Condition is a critical factor: aquatint prints are susceptible to fading, foxing, and margin trimming. Provenance linking works to notable historical collections can add significant value. Attribution should account for the frequent collaboration between Thomas and his nephew William Daniell. The large number of recorded auction lots—over 400 entries in appraisal databases—reflects the breadth of his output and sustained collector interest.
Auction categories and appraisal factors
Appraisal caveats
- The auction market for Daniell is divided between original paintings and reproductive aquatint prints; value differs substantially by medium
- Some works attributed to Thomas Daniell may be collaborative productions with his nephew William Daniell
- Individual aquatint plates from larger series appear frequently at auction; values for single plates are considerably lower than complete bound volumes
Evidence
Sources for artist context
This source-grounded artist context passed Appraisily's promotion threshold: high confidence, strong sources.
- Wikidata library authority
- Getty Vocabulary Program library authority
- VIAF library authority
- Library of Congress library authority
- Tate museum or university
- RKD Netherlands Institute library authority
Data basis
This page is built from Appraisily's public auction market index. Private transactions, incomplete sale feeds, and attribution changes may not be fully represented.
Artist value FAQ
How much is Thomas Daniell worth?
Comparable public auction sales are the best starting point, but final value depends on the specific artwork, condition, size, medium, provenance, and attribution confidence.
Can Appraisily value my Thomas Daniell artwork?
Yes. Appraisily can review photos, dimensions, signatures, condition, provenance, and comparable market data to prepare a current valuation.