A Princess Hawking on her Stallion

A princess attired in bright orange robes seated atop her richly caparisoned stallion with matching orange hennaed flanks, balancing a falcon on her gloved right hand, the scene set against a pale blue sky with russet golden slivers, above which are seen wispy clouds. The verso bears four verses in elegant black nasta'liq written diagonally and signed 'Al-Qatib al-Faqir Muhammad Latif.'

Private English Collection
Christie's London, Islamic and Indian Art, April 23, 1981, lot 73

Very good overall condition. Very minor, almost indistinct creases on horse's rump and on blue ground below the saddle. Blue and gold floral border of image cropped in catalogue illustration has minor abrasions and paint losses lower left and upper right corners. Minor staining to background blues of sky. Colors of original deeper and riches than catalogue illustration. Gold detailing of saddle bridle and princesses costume deeper and more metallic than it appears in illustration. Good overall condition.
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.

Murshidabad artists were given to rendering subjects from a firmly horizontal perspective as seen in the present lot. The figure is disposed within a strict, schematic landscape with no lighting effects or shadows, another staple of the Murshdabad court style.