A young prince on horseback, probably Bijai Singh of Datia, Datia, circa 1832-36

gouache heightened with gold on paper, laid down on card

Bonhams, London, 19 April 2007, lot 291

In good overall condition, abrasions to painting edges and stains to lower right 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 young prince in this equestrian portrait can be seen sitting next to his father Maharaja Parichhit of Datia in a durbar scene of the early-nineteenth century sold in these rooms, 24 April 1996, lot 72 (the figures are almost identical, including the facial features). In the durbar scene he is depicted on a diminutive scale, not only because he was probably still a boy at the time, but also due to the hierarchy of size that was so often employed in royal and official portraits to indicate status (he was a prince, not yet the ruler). In the present equestrian portrait he is depicted with the same facial features and turban and on the same scale as in the durbar scene, indicating that he was still a young prince. His youth is delightfully conveyed by the fact that his feet do not quite reach the base of the stirrups, dangling just above. He was born in 1826 and succeeded his father in 1839, so the present work probably dates from circa 1832-36. The dating of the present work also provides an approximate date for the aforementioned durbar scene.