gouache with gold on paper, borders of buff paper with gold foliate decoration, inscribed on the reverse in black ink in Devanagari script identifying subject, Mewar style numbering in red and black '13/321', '321', '262/720', framed

Generally in good condition. Border trimmed at upper left, 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."

This is an energetic and humorous scene of an elephant running amok while its handlers, one of whom has been lifted in the air, attempt to bring it under control. It is close in style to the work of the Devgarh artist Chokha, son of Bagta, who was active in the first quarter of the nineteenth century at Udaipur and Devgarh.

In particular it is very close in style and composition to a night scene of an elephant in Mast, painted by Chokha and dated 1811 (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, Mumbai (formerly Prince of Wales Museum), see Beach and Singh 2005, p.83, fig.97; Beach 2011, p.747, fig.14). It also relates closely to a scene of a running elephant attributed to Chokha (V & A, London, I.M. 447-1914, see Beach and Singh 2005, p.89, fig.107), and more generally to several other works by the same artist (see Beach and Singh 2005, figs.100, 101, 109-111. For detailed discussions of the career and st🌠yle of Chokha see Beach and Singh 2005, and Beach 2011. The Devanagari inscription on the reverse may indicate that the elephant belonged to Shri Sarup (?).