THREE PORTRAITS, NORTH INDIA, 19TH CENTURY

The three items in this lot are as follows:

A. A poet from Maharashtra, mid-19th century; reverse with a pencil sketch of a cow. Cary Welch notes on the reverse: "a forefather of Raugey Ragheva, from Maharastra - R.R. lived in Jaipur"
B. A courtesan in an interior, circa 1835-40
C. A courtesan seated in an exotic chair, 19th century

Courtesan portraits were one of the most popular subjects, particularly in Lucknow, where a thriving merchant middle class began to commission paintings that reflected their lifestyle. "Courtesans underwent rigorous training to ensure they would please and entertain their patrons. Many belonged to famous lineages in the 19th century and were in the highest tax bracket, with the largest incomes of anyone in Lucknow' (Masselos 1997, p. 216).