AN ILLUSTRATION FROM A RAGAMALA SERIES: COUPLE IN AN EROTIC EMBRACE
INDIA, RAJASTHAN, SIROHI, LATE 17TH CENTURY
Estimate: £3,000 - £5,000
Auction: 11 December 2024 from 10:00 GMT
Description
gouache heightened in gold on paper, green border, within a symmetrical architectural interior, a mistress astride a prince brandishing a shield, an officer standing to the left striding forward waving a sword, balcony above, mounted, glazed and framed
Dimensions
20.5cm x 16cm
Provenance
Formerly, the collection of V. S. Naipaul (1932-2018).
Footnote
Painting at Sirohi, a Rajasthani school between Marwar and Mewar, bears many resemblances of the Mewar style with its strong vibrant colours. Although not as large as the schools of Mewar, Bundi, Kotah, Marwar, Bikaner and Jaipur, Sirohi artists produced fine work for their patrons following the demands for portraits, hunting and court scenes. This painting has an unusual symmetry reflecting the influence of a visiting Mughal artist adding to the captivating subject.