Tana Shah standing in a landscape, an illustration from a historical manuscript, Deccan, probably Bidar, circa 1709

Ink and gouache heightened with gold on paper, depicting a solitary figure on the banks of a river, within a landscape filled with trees and birds, beneath a blue sky, inscription of identification on reverse

In good overall condition, some mild creases, colours and gold bright, 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 miniature is from a group of illustrations of historical subjects and members of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda. Others from the series are in the San Diego Museum of Art (formerly Edwin Binney 3rd Collection, see Binney 1973, nos.148a-c), the Fondation Custodia, Paris and the Rietberg Museum, Zurich (see Zebrowski 1983, nos.197-198; Gahlin 1991, p.47, no.46, where further references are provided), and two were sold in these rooms, 3 May 2001, lot 83.

Although most of the illustrations are identified on the reverse with the names of members of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the example in the Rietberg Museum shows a mythological scene, and thus is unlikely to be from the same series. It is possible that there were two specific series executed in the same style and format by the same artists, or, as Zebrowski pointed out, these miniatures may have been productions of a standardized style employed by a Deccani atelier involved in producing work of both Muslim and Hindu subject matter.