A raja riding a bull elephant, attributable to Wajid, Isarda, circa 1685

gouache heightened with silver on paper, pentimenti visible around elephant's trunk, narrow red border

Prof R.A. Dara, London (d.1966)
Acquired before 1968

In good overall condition, inked thumb print at upper centre right edge, repair to three corners, edge tears consolidated on reverse with paper, 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."

Wajid was the leading artist at the court of the Central Rajasthani thikana of Isarda, a feudatory state of Amber, during the last quarter of the seventeenth century. Many of his characteristic portraits of favourite court elephants and horses bear inscriptions with the artist’s name on the verso. They continue the Mughal tradition of animal portraiture, which Wajid would probably have acquired from his earlier years at Amber, where the influence of the imperial Mughal atelier was strong. For a thorough discussion of the Isarda style at this period see Pasricha 1982. For horses by or attributed to Wajid, see Kramrisch 1986, p.88, no.8; Philadelphia 2001, pp.118-9, no.44; Sotheby's, New York, 17 June 1993, lot 189. For elephants from Isarda see London 1987-88, pp.7 & 10-12, nos.4-7; Sotheby's, New York, 28 October 1991, lot 34.