- 222
An Illustration of Devi Tiraskarani
Estimate
1,200 - 1,800 USD
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Description
- An Illustration of Devi Tiraskarani
- Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper
- image 7 1/4 by 9 7/8 in. (18.3 by 25 cm.)
- folio 7 1/8 by 10 3/8 in. (20.1 by 26.4 cm.) unframed
The present illustration is from the Lalita Mahatmya, which relates the tale of the battle between Devi and her Shaktis, and the demon army led by the miscreant Bhanda.
When the beautiful Lalita Davi rebuffed Bhanda's advances, he mounted a fierce attack on her. In the ensuing struggle, the tide turned in favor of first one side and then the other. In one of the critical battles, Dandanatha, who was one of Devi's Shaktis, and her subordinate Tiraskarani Devi, mounted a fierce charge against Bhanda's generals and crushed them.
Tiraskarani Devi is pictured here exactly as she is described in the text, as dark-complexioned and mounted on a black horse with her sword raised high above her head. What is most remarkable about this illustration is the virtuoso treatment of the architectural features which are rendered from an arial perspective with close attention paid to depth and space. The artist, most likely trained in either a Mughal or Rajput atelier, has placed his subject within the magnificent mythical palace created for Lalita Devi by Vishvakarman, the artchitect of the Gods.
When the beautiful Lalita Davi rebuffed Bhanda's advances, he mounted a fierce attack on her. In the ensuing struggle, the tide turned in favor of first one side and then the other. In one of the critical battles, Dandanatha, who was one of Devi's Shaktis, and her subordinate Tiraskarani Devi, mounted a fierce charge against Bhanda's generals and crushed them.
Tiraskarani Devi is pictured here exactly as she is described in the text, as dark-complexioned and mounted on a black horse with her sword raised high above her head. What is most remarkable about this illustration is the virtuoso treatment of the architectural features which are rendered from an arial perspective with close attention paid to depth and space. The artist, most likely trained in either a Mughal or Rajput atelier, has placed his subject within the magnificent mythical palace created for Lalita Devi by Vishvakarman, the artchitect of the Gods.
Provenance
Acquired from the Royal Library of Mandi in 1969
Condition
Very good overall condition. Minor spots and abrasions to corner side of painting and to area adjacent to tower at upper left. Devanagari inscription on reverse. Colors brighter than catalogue illustration. 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.