A KNEELING HOLY MAN, ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE 'FRASER ARTIST', COMPANY SCHOOL, DELHI, CIRCA 1820

Ink and small areas of colour on paper

Room for Wonder, Indian Painting during the British Period 1760-1880, The American Federation of Arts, New York, 1978

Welch 1978, p.111, no.48

Few holes in paper (a cluster at upper left beside holy man's head, with one very small one on forehead of figure). Some discolouration and few minor stains. Edges slightly uneven and frayed in places. 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 drawing is very close in style and manner the depictions of holy men in the Fraser Album (the large series of pictures executed for the brothers William and James Fraser in Delhi and Haryana around 1815-20). The portrait of Faqir Gulab Gosain of Nagarkot, and the mendicant Lakshman Das, have a similarity in tone, are clearly in the same tradition and are probably by the same hand (see Archer and Falk 1989, p.101, no.76, and p.123, no.118, respectively).

Cary Welch's handwritten notes on the backboard of the frame are as follows:
"Kneeling Holy Man with Chilum, Delhi, ca.1820
By the leading artist of the Fraser Album?
Late, but superb: treatment of face and body (folds in belly!) equally explored, to reveal the look and personality of this holy man. This 19th c. portrait ranks with those of Govardhan and Bishndas. Jahangir himself would have admired it. July 16, 2001"