CHAND BIBI HAWKING, INDIA, DECCAN, 18TH CENTURY |

gouache with gold on paper, mounted on an album page with gold-decorated borders, spurious attribution to 'Chitarman Shah Jahani' in the lower margin, reverse with an illuminated Persian quatrain in nasta'liq

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

Olsen Travelling Exhibition, Persian Miniature no.121 (label on reverse of frame).

In generally condition, damages to the margins, minor stains and minor folds, minor retouching, minor flaking and losses to the paint which though remains bright, 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."

Chand Bibi was the ruler of Ahmednagar in the late sixteenth century and became famous for her valiant resistance against the Mughal forces. The subject of Chand Bibi hawking on horseback was popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and several versions closely comparable to the present example exist, including one in the British Museum (1951,0407,0.24); one in the British Library Add. Or. 3849); one in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1999.403); one in the Allahabad Museum, and a closely comparable example sold in these rooms 6 April 2011, lot 248.