A portrait of a courtier holding a candlestick, Mughal, circa 1585-1600

gouache heightened with gold on paper, laid down on a leaf from a manuscript of poetry with one line of nasta`liq below image and twelve lines on the reverse

Ex-collection S.C. Welch, 1961 (a note on the backboard of the frame reads: "Indian Mughal School, c.1600, S.C. Welch Collection 6/61"

Painted area in generally good condition, colours bright. Some rubbing and scuffs throughout, some paint loss top right. 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 small painting is typical of a category of portraits of noblemen and courtiers (often holding or carrying objects relevant to their roles at court) executed in the late sixteenth century on plain green backgrounds, the figures often depicted with their bodies in three-quarter pose and their heads either in three-quarter or profile. At least two others of this type were also in the Cary Welch Collection, see S.C. Welch, "Early Mughal Miniature Paintings from Two Private Collections shown at the Fogg Art Museum", Ars Orientalis, vol.III, 1959, pl.6, figs.8-9, the latter sold in these rooms 6 April 2011, lot 93. For other examples see M. Brand and G. Lowry, Akbar's India: Art from the Mughal City of Victory, New York, 1986, p.81, no.47, p.83, figs 52, 54; S. Gahlin, The Courts of India, Indian Miniatures from the Collection of the Fondation Custodia, Zwolle, 1991, pl.4, no.7.