A GROUP OF SEVEN STUDIES, NORTH INDIA, 19TH CENTURY

Ink and watercolour on paper

A: Sahibs, Memsahibs and Maharajas: Indian Art Under British Rule 1765-1880, Harvard Art Museums, 1989

A. In fair condition, creasing on upper left hand corner, horizontal folding mark in the lower centre, tear on lower right hand side, edges with paper reinforcement on reverse, as viewed. B. In fairly good condition, staining along the top edges and on the upper right hand edge, slightly frayed edges, laid down on paper, light folding marks with creasing, very small spots of paper loss, as viewed. C. In fairly good condition, laid down on paper, staining along the edges, light creasing on the lower half, minor spots of paper loss, frayed edges, light staining in the centre, as viewed. D. In good condition, minor staining along top and right edges, a very small spot of paper loss on lower centre, as viewed. E. In fair condition, spot of staining on lower centre, and two spots of staining on upper left hand and along the top edges, two very small holes on upper right hand, as viewed. F. In fairly good condition, laid down on paper, staining on extreme edges, very small tears on upper right hand corner and bottom right edge, as viewed. G. In good condition, very small spots of paper loss in the centre, very light staining around four corners, 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."

The seven items in this lot are as follows:

A: A study of oil pressers, North India, 19th century
B: The interior of a mill, North India, 19th century
C: A study of blacksmiths, North India, 19th century
D: A study of a baker, North India, 19th century
E: A study of a cotton merchant, North India, 19th century
F: A design, repeated twice, of a stylized bird on a leafy stem, North India, 19th century
G: A small page of an artist's sketches of dry stone walls, 20th century

Illustrations of occupations, trades and pastimes were popular subjects from the late 18th century onwards, especially among the British and other foreign residents and visitors, who were keen to record aspects of life and society in India.