A PRINCESS AND ATTENDANTS VISIT A LINGAM SHRINE, INDIA, OUDH, PROVINCIAL MUGHAL, LATE 18TH CENTURY |

gouache with gold on paper, dark blue inner borders

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

Olsen Travelling Exhibition, Persian Miniature no.122 (label on reverse of frame).
On loan:
North Carolina Museum of Art, 1962 (loan number Olsen Persian Miniature TL.62.10.122, label on reverse of frame).

In good condition, minor stains and minor retouching, minor flaking and losses to the paint which though remains bright, traces of cello tape, the margins damaged mainly by glue, 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."

This atmospheric scene amalgamates two aspects normally treated separately. In the upper left a princess with a female attendant visits a lingam shrine where a yogi tends a fire; in the right and lower parts of the composition a lady bathes in a river with three female attendants. The latter vignette is probably taken from an illustration of Shirin bathing while watched by Khusrau (from Nizami’s Khamsa), especially the central two figures of the lady being modestly covered by her attendant while looking up and to her right. The former subject, depicting Bhairavi Ragini, was widely popular at this time, and the latter subject continued to be illustrated throughout the late Mughal period (see, for example, sale in these rooms, 9 December 1975, lot 64), its iconography mingling with other scenes adapted from Indian sources (e.g. Christie’s New York, 3 October 1990, lot 33).