A raja shooting an arrow at a target, signed by Pyar Chand, Sitamau, dated 1835-36

gouache heightened with gold and silver on paper, identifications in devanagari script on recto, signed and dated on recto at upper right in devanagari script 'Musavar Pyar Chand samvat 1892' [1835-6], reverse with eleven lines of poetry and descriptive text in devanagari script dated Samvat 1894 [1837]

Christie’s, South Kensington, 8 April 2011, lot 395

In good overall condition, minor paint loss to central figure, lower right edge of leaf with vertical cut, 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."

Sitamau, on the borders of Malwa, Mewar and Kota, was the place of production of a number of large and impressive processional scenes and other works in the 1830s and 1840s. Robert Skelton first identified the Sitamau school, where the artist Swarup Ram had earlier practised (see lot 50 in this catalogue for Skelton's identification; and see Ehnbom 1985, p.172).

The principal and most accomplished artist of the second quarter of the nineteenth century was Pyar Chand, who himself appears in a painting dated 1847 showing him sketching the ruler of Sitamau (Ehnbom 1985, p.172). Inscriptions on other paintings indicate that Pyar Chand came from the ancient city of Mandasor, near to Sitamau. Ehnbom comments: "The painter Pyara Canda of Mandasor avoided European influence to produce pictures that continue to embody the brilliant color and abstract statement of traditional Indian styles." (ibid).

For another Sitamau painting of a maharaja practising archery, see Turin 1985, p.82, no.81. For further information and illustrations of works by Pyar Chand see London, 1976-II, pp.25-27, nos.108-112; Topsfield 1981, pp.170-1, fig.183; Ehnbom 1985, pp.172-3, nos.80-81; Sotheby's, New York, 2 June 1992, lots 151-2; Christie's, London, 23 April 1981, lot 58.