opaque pigments heightened with gold on paper

In good condition, minor losses to the painting, areas of later painting to the outer edges of the painting, mounted on marbled paper, creases and minor stains, numbers on the back, 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 intriguing miniature painted by a Persian artist depicts an Ottoman prince riding an Indian elephant. Surrounded by swirling cloud scrolls the ruler is seated in a gold howdah holding a cup in his hand and a bottle at his side. His elephant is heavily caparisoned with elaborate gold trappings and a richly decorated saddlecloth finely decorated with cloudbands and floral arabesques.

A largඣe central subject and absence of a pictorial landscape is a characteristic of later Safavid painting where there was a move toward🃏s portraiture and idealised figures.

The depiction of an Ottom𒀰an subject and an Indian elephant is indicative of the cosmopolitan nature of the Safavid court during the seventeenth century