Abalal Rahiman

Private Collection, London
Sotheby's London, 17 June 1999, lot 218

Abalal Rahiman (formerly known as Abdul Aziz) was born in Kolhapur to a family known for their work in illuminated manuscripts. Rahiman’s talent for drawing came to the attention of the Maharaja of Kolhapur who became his benefactor, paying for the young artist’s tuition at the Sir J. J. School of Art in Bombay. Rahiman subsequently returned to Kolhapur and was engaged as a painter at the Maharaja’s court. Known for his small-scale and delicately rendered watercolors, the current portrait illustrates Rahiman’s sensitive and accomplished grasp of his medium.