A EUROPEAN HOLDING A BOOK, INDIA, DECCAN OR MUGHAL, EARLY 17TH CENTURY |

gouache on paper, mounted on an album page with gold-decorated borders

Ex-collection Joe and Hellen Darion, New York.
Acquired from the Olsen Foundation, Bridgeport, Conn.

Olsen Travelling Exhibition, Persian Miniature no. 156 (label on reverse of frame).
On loan:
North Carolina Museum of Art, 1962 (loan number Olsen Persian Miniature TL.62.10.156, label on reverse of frame).

In good condition, writing and collector labelo on reverse, stains and minor folds, minor flaking, traces of cello tape 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."

Although not wearing obviously western dress, and holding a safina-form manuscript (an Islamic format), the face and pose here are European and the figure may be taken from a European print of a saint or religious figure circulating in India in the early seventeenth century. Similar European/Christian-themed drawings are in the India Office Library (see Falk and Archer 1981, pp.519-520, nos.441-8. The inscription on the safina-form manuscript appears to be the beginning of a Persian couplet, starting with: 'The desire I have to see you (...)' before becoming illegible.