A half-length portrait of a European maiden, after a French print, Mewar, first half 19th century

gouache with gold on paper, laid down on stout paper

Eyre and Hobhouse Ltd., London
Christie’s, London, 16 October 1980, lot 183

In good overall condition, minor losses to leaf edges, a few pinholes to lower left, 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 miniature of a European lady has little to do with the earlier Mewar firangi paintings inspired by Indian curiosity concerning the visit of Ketelaar and other officers of the Dutch East India Company to Udaipur at the beginning of the eighteenth century (see Gahlin 2002, pp.49-50, no.30). Instead, this is a portrait of a lady wearing a bonnet probably influenced by a French print from the time of the Revolution in the 1790s, for example, at least two works by Marie Victoire Lemoine (French, 1754–1820) depict very similar female figures to the present (stylised) version. The D-shape of the present portrait indicates that the portrait print from which it was copied was in oval format (a common format for European prints of the period), the left part having been omitted or trimmed here.