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A Group of Nine Illustrations from the Bhagavata Purana: The Abduction of Rukmini
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description
- A Group of Nine Illustrations from the Bhagavata Purana: The Abduction of Rukmini
Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper
- each image approximately 9 by 12 5/8 in. (22.9 by 32 cm.)
- each folio approximately 11 7/8 by 15 3/8 in. (30.2 by 39 cm.), [9], unframed, 3 illustrated
The present group of illustrations relate the story of the union of Krishna with his principal consort Rukmini.
Rukmini was due to wed the powerful King Sisupala but had given her heart to Krishna. As her wedding approached she sent an entreaty to Krishna to act soon. Krishna set off to rescue her and abducted her as she was leaving a temple after prayers. As soon as this news reached Rukmini's brother Rukma, who had sworn enemity with Krsihna, he immediately set off after the pair vowing to put an end to Krishna's life. In the ensuing struggle Krishna easily vanquished Rukma but spared his life upon Rukmini's pleas. However he shaved Rukma's head to remind him forever of his defeat and the shamed Rukma turned back home.
In the meantime, Krishna's devoted elder brother Balarama, who had learnt of Krishna's hurried departure, followed his brother's footsteps with an army as he knew that Sisupala would be bent on revenge as soon as he received news of the abduction of his betrothed. As he had expected, Sisupala amassed a huge force and the two sides fought a pitched battle where Balarama ultimately emerged victorious. The two brothers brought Rukmini home to Dwaraka in triumph where the wedding of Krishna and Rukmini was celebrated with pomp.
The illustrations follow the story closely and render each scene in great detail, including the bloody and climactic battle.
Rukmini was due to wed the powerful King Sisupala but had given her heart to Krishna. As her wedding approached she sent an entreaty to Krishna to act soon. Krishna set off to rescue her and abducted her as she was leaving a temple after prayers. As soon as this news reached Rukmini's brother Rukma, who had sworn enemity with Krsihna, he immediately set off after the pair vowing to put an end to Krishna's life. In the ensuing struggle Krishna easily vanquished Rukma but spared his life upon Rukmini's pleas. However he shaved Rukma's head to remind him forever of his defeat and the shamed Rukma turned back home.
In the meantime, Krishna's devoted elder brother Balarama, who had learnt of Krishna's hurried departure, followed his brother's footsteps with an army as he knew that Sisupala would be bent on revenge as soon as he received news of the abduction of his betrothed. As he had expected, Sisupala amassed a huge force and the two sides fought a pitched battle where Balarama ultimately emerged victorious. The two brothers brought Rukmini home to Dwaraka in triumph where the wedding of Krishna and Rukmini was celebrated with pomp.
The illustrations follow the story closely and render each scene in great detail, including the bloody and climactic battle.
Provenance
Acquired from the Royal Library of Mandi in 1969
Condition
Very good overall condition. Very minor spots and stains to some works, each with Devanagari inscriptions on reverse. Colors brighter than catalogue illustrations. Displayed in a temporary frame for exhibition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
For other illustrations from the same series, see Sotheby's New York, March 29, 2006, lot 163 and September 19, 2006, lot 8.