Lot 273
  • 273

Ramaswami Naidu)

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
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Description

  • Ramaswami Naidu
  • Untitled (Mother and Child)
  • Signed and dated RAMASWAMI NAIDU / TREVANDRUM / 1873' lower right
  • Oil on canvas
  • 31 3/4 by 26 1/8 in. (80.7 by 66.5 cm.)
  • Painted in 1873

Provenance

Acquired from a California estate

Condition

The work appears to have been previously relined; the canvas is taut on its stretcher and in good condition. The work appears to be un-retouched under ultraviolet light. The paint surface is stable with good impasto in the jewelry. There is noticeable paint separation throughout that is most visible at the woman's eyelids, the child's legs and waist, and the lower left of the painting. There is no instability apparent from the paint separation. There are minor frame abrasions along the edges. Pinhole sized accretion of gold paint possibly due to frame paint, easily rectified. This painting could benefit from a light cleaning. The colors in the painting are somewhat richer than those depicted in the catalog illustration.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

In the latter half of the 19th century, several Indian artists began to experiment with oil paint as a medium, producing works in a distinct indigenous style that lay somewhere between the technique of watercolour and academic oil painting. Ravi Varma has been noted as the first Indian artist to apply the traditions of Western academic realism to the representation of Indian themes and subject matter although he first sought the guidance of Ramaswami Naidu, the Travancore court artist. Weary of Varma's burgeoning talent, Naidu refused to teach him how to paint with oils. It has been noted that despite this, some of Naidu's own pupils secretly tutored Varma and assisted with his mastering of the technique. Despite such rivalries, Naidu flourished as a painter, even winning international recognition in the catalogue of the Vienna Universal Exhibition of 1873.

This beautiful picture illustrates a mother and son, with cherub-like features and pouty lips that are characteristic of many of Naidu's depictions. They are elegantly adorned with opulent diamonds, pearls, rubies and emeralds that are painted with careful and precise brushstrokes. These jewels shine and sparkle and seem to leap off the canvas, highlighted by the chiaro-scuro effect of their fair skin tone and black background. It is apparent that the subjects are from a wealthy or royal household and Naidu was commissioned to paint this portrait. This painting gives the viewer insight into Naidu's mastery of realism and the social history around the time it was created.