Lot 291
- 291
An illustration to a Baramasa series: the month of Sravana, attributed to the school of Sajnu, India, Mandi, circa 1820
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- gouache on paper with ink
gouache heightened with gold on paper, laid on stout paper composed of four sections, narrow blue scrolling border, pink margins with paired bird cartouches
Condition
in fairly good condition, some minor losses to paint, notably near hands of figures, along bed, near foot of one of attendants, and in sky, some areas with minor retouching on paint, some dark discoloration on dress if male figure, colours overall bright, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The present scene depicts a raja tenderly holding his beloved and calming her fears at the approaching thunder clouds. He points to a noisy flock of birds ascending into a bright blue sky rapidly filling with monsoon clouds.
The illustration closely relates to the work of Sajnu of Mandi, created during the period which Archer refers to as 'Phase Two' at Mandi. The artist Sanju came to Mandi from Kangra in the first decade of the nineteenth century, completing a Hamir Hath and Baramasa series for his new patron, Raja Isvari Sen of Mandi. Sajnu brought with him stylistic conventions of the Kangra valley which greatly influenced the new brand of painting at Mandi. Works by Sajnu and his followers are distiguished by their pastel palette, sensitive rendering of the faces and angular architectural compositions. Interestingly a late eighteenth-century portrait of a young prince (possibly Prakash Chand of Guler) in the Museum Rietburg, Zurich, displays an almost identical pink margin with bird cartouches (Beach, Fischer & Goswamy 2011, p.714, fig.28). For a discussion of the artist and works by him and his circle see W.G. Archer, Indian Paintings of the Punjab Hills, vol.I, pp.360-7, and vol.II, pp.273-281. Related early nineteenth-century Mandi illustrations have sold through these rooms, Sotheby's New York, 28 October 1991, lots 63 & 66.
The illustration closely relates to the work of Sajnu of Mandi, created during the period which Archer refers to as 'Phase Two' at Mandi. The artist Sanju came to Mandi from Kangra in the first decade of the nineteenth century, completing a Hamir Hath and Baramasa series for his new patron, Raja Isvari Sen of Mandi. Sajnu brought with him stylistic conventions of the Kangra valley which greatly influenced the new brand of painting at Mandi. Works by Sajnu and his followers are distiguished by their pastel palette, sensitive rendering of the faces and angular architectural compositions. Interestingly a late eighteenth-century portrait of a young prince (possibly Prakash Chand of Guler) in the Museum Rietburg, Zurich, displays an almost identical pink margin with bird cartouches (Beach, Fischer & Goswamy 2011, p.714, fig.28). For a discussion of the artist and works by him and his circle see W.G. Archer, Indian Paintings of the Punjab Hills, vol.I, pp.360-7, and vol.II, pp.273-281. Related early nineteenth-century Mandi illustrations have sold through these rooms, Sotheby's New York, 28 October 1991, lots 63 & 66.