North India, Rajasthan, Marwar

opaque pigments heightened with gold on paper, framed

In fair condition, the painting has suffered several losses affecting mainly the upper section and lower corners, tears and creasing to the edges, flaking and rubbing to paint, areas of repainting, the back is taped down, 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."

In 1724 Maharaja Bakhat Singh murdered his father Maharaja Ajit Singh in return for the rule of the thikana of Nagaur. Whilst at Nagaur, Bakhat built a wonderful pleasure palace that successfully combined Rajput and Mughal architectural elements. Paintings from Bakhat's reign were typically large in scale and highly decorated and often portrayed the Maharaja in a darbar scene such as this. In 1751 Bakhat Singh became ruler of Jodhpur but unfortunately his reign only lasted a year. In 1752 he was murdered by his niece, the widow of Maharaja Iswari Singh of Jaipur, who gave him a poisoned robe.

Whether this painting was produced in Nagaur or Jodhpur has not been determined, however Bakhat's youthful features relate closely to an important jharoka portrait of the prince painted in c.1735, in the Hodgkin Collection (See Topsfield 2012, no.88).