- 143
An illustration from a series on divination and omens (Falnamah): Gog with a Collar of Mountains, India, Mughal, circa 1580
Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- gouache on paper
gouache on cloth, text in nasta'liq script in two cartouches below miniature
Provenance
Sotheby's, London, 8 June 2002, lot 2
Condition
Some staining, water damage and loss of pigment with associated retouching, paper repairs at top. 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 legendary giant Gog appears in the Bible and Qur'an, and in illustrated versions of the Falnamah is often depicted wearing a huge collar of mountains, signifying the Islamic myth in which he is shut off behind brazen gates or a mountainous wall, from which he will one day break free. The myth is associated with Iskandar (Alexander the Great), but in Falnamah illustrations it is often the figure of Moses who is depicted striking Gog (see, for example, a near contemporary version of this scene in the Museum voor Volkenkunde, Rotterdam and another one published in Falk and Digby 1979, no.6, pp.16,18). The Rotterdam example has the full text of this Fal, which is translated as "The fact that Moses and [G]og have appeared in your Fāl confirms the wretched plight of your enemies. Follow God and the religious path, and you will never be afflicted by sorrow." (Kahl, p.135, no.25)
Other illustrations from this series have appeared at Sotheby's, London, 8 October 2014, lot 204, Colnaghi, Paintings from Mughal India, 1979, nos.1-4; Sotheby's, London, 17 June 1999, lot 3; 26 April 1995, lot 137; and Christie's, London, 24 April 1980, lot 49. For an essay and further examples see Falk and Digby 1979, pp.13-19.
Other illustrations from this series have appeared at Sotheby's, London, 8 October 2014, lot 204, Colnaghi, Paintings from Mughal India, 1979, nos.1-4; Sotheby's, London, 17 June 1999, lot 3; 26 April 1995, lot 137; and Christie's, London, 24 April 1980, lot 49. For an essay and further examples see Falk and Digby 1979, pp.13-19.