Lot 1
  • 1

Mahadev Visvanath Dhurandhar

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • Mahadev Visvanath Dhurandhar
  • Twenty Watercolours Depicting Scenes of Bombay
  • Six works signed and dated 'MDhurandhar / 1900' lower right

    Eight works initialled 'MD' lower right

    Six works initialled 'MD' lower left

  • Watercolour on paper
  • Largest: 24.4 x 16.1 cm. (9 ⅝ x 6 ⅜ in.); Smallest 20.5 x 15.9 cm. (8 x 6 ¼ in.)
  • Painted circa 1900

Provenance

Albert Mathews (1904 - 1986) was employed by Biddle Sawyer & Co. between 1926 and 1969, as Senior Export Manager for India. Through his position, he befriended Mr. Alwar Chetty who would visit Mr. Mathews at his home in Ilford and bring gifts such as Indian brass candlesticks, inlaid trays and these watercolour paintings. These paintings were a gift to Mr. Mathews on one such occasion and have since been inherited by his grandson.

Condition

There are smudges and small ink stains visible in the unpainted areas. Small spots of foxing are present, the edges are slightly worn and have yellowed due to age. There are two glue stains present on the work 'Lessons in Music'. These paintings are in overall good condition, 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."

Catalogue Note

Mahadev Visvanath Dhurandhar’s paintings incorporate an urban vernacular, within the aesthetic framework of Western academic realism. His choice of simplistic subject matter combined with the high quality of his renditions enhances their desirability. Painting poignant moments of everyday people in action in Bombay in 1900 -  fruit vendors, dog walkers and boot makers are all beautifully captured in detail.

These works are remarkably presentable after recently being discovered in an envelope in a drawer, having been untouched for more than 50 years.