A prince with attendants, India, Deccan, circa 1670

gouache heightened with gold on paper, laid down on stout paper, borders outlined in colours and gold, margin with scrolling foliate motif in gold

In generally good condition, passages of rubbing and flaking, 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 Muslim nobleman, though unidentified, is representative of the new class of rulers who obtained a level of independence after the conquests of the Deccan by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Their patronage of artists formerly in the royal Deccani employment led to a genre of portraiture which preserves qualities of both Deccani painting and the contemporary Mughal style. The treatment of the trees and sky is akin to a group of Ragamala paintings produced in the Deccan. Although the origin of the Ragamalas remains a matter of dispute, Mark Zebrowski has suggested that the paintings may be the product of Rajput artists living in the Deccan, (see Zebrowski 1983, figs.181, 182, 186, 187, 190 and 191).