- 88
A portrait of Emperor Akbar with a lion and cow, India, Delhi, circa 1800
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
Gouache with gold on paper, borders decorated with gold floral designs and cartouches containing small birds
Provenance
In the Collection of William (1784-1835) and James Fraser (1783-1856)
By direct descent to Malcolm R. Fraser Esq
By direct descent to Malcolm R. Fraser Esq
Condition
In overall very good condition, colours bright, few very light stains to bottom right-hand quandrant, very minor stain near nose of lion, very light rubbing to top left-hand corner, very minor creases to top and bottom-left hand 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This painting is a direct copy of a well-known miniature by Govardhan in a royal Mughal album known as the Kevorkian Album in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (55.121.10.22V, sold in these rooms 12 December 1929). S.C. Welch described the original as follows: " - this posthumous likeness is idealized to the point of canonization, reminding us that after his death Akbar was knows as 'Arsh-Ashiyani (He Who Nests in the Divine Throne). Serenely smiling, he offers a rosary of jewels to the royal patron for whom it was painted, probably Shahjahan.... Above hover a trio of cherubs, tootling, strumming, and bearing an incongrously European crown. In the foreground the power of the pax Mughalica is symbolized by a reclining calf, undisturbed by the nearby lion eyeing it with uncharactersitic benevolence." (Welch et al 1987, no.9, pp.96-97).