PROPERTY FROM A PRESTIGIOUS PRIVATE EUROPEAN COLLECTION
Two dancers, India, Mughal, second half 17th/early 18th century
Auction Closed
April 24, 03:45 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
gouache heightened with gold on paper, within an oval medallion with gold border ruled in black, laid down on album pages with further blue and beige borders comprising a gold scrolling floral vine, ruled in colours and gold, with buff margins
painting: 15.3 by 11.3cm.
leaf: 34.1 by 23.9cm.
S. Lienhard & G. Boccali (ed.), Tesori della lirica classica indiana, Torino, 1994, p.80
The present painting is a popular Mughal rendition of Kathak, a classical Indian dance form that blends storytelling, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures. It originated from the temple rituals of the Kathakars, storytellers who narrated mythological tales through dance and music. With the advent of the Mughal era, Kathak underwent further transformation, incorporating Persian influences and evolving into a sophisticated art form performed in the royal courts. Our painting captures the joyful vitality of the dance, enhanced by the swirling garments of the figures. It relates closely to a painting in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (inv. no.132:27-1885) and another in the Art Institute of Chicago (inv. no.1919.956).
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