A palace scene with ladies and a distant landscape, India, provincial Mughal, late 18th century

gouache with gold on paper, applied red border

Some wear and slight surface abrasion.
"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 composition of this work relates loosely to a series of large-scale Awadhi paintings characterised by a complex foreground architectural element set against a distant landscape panorama, often with a river or lake in between. For other examples see Markel with Gude, India's Fabled City, The Art of Courtly Lucknow, Los Angeles, 2011, p.76, cat.21; Quintanilla (ed.), Mughal Paintings: Art and Stories, Cleveland and London, 2016, cat.91, pp.284, 347. An example was sold in these rooms, 31 May 2011 lot 111, where further references are given. Deccani examples also exist, see Gahlin, The Courts of India, Paris, 1991, pl.47, no.48.