Two Sikh soldiers on Horseback

Two Sikh soldiers are seen astride their richly caparisoned horses with their rifles at hand.

Fairly good overall condition. Tiny spot of foxing on upper left above inscription and in area beneath horses' feet. A small 1 cm tear on the upper right has been repaired. This lot has not been inspected outside its frame.
"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."

The forces of the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) were among the most feared and respected in India in the early nineteenth century. He had the most powerful army in India after the British and their mercenaries. The key to Ranjit Singh's success as a ruler was his equitable treatment of his subjects. His ministers were Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs; in the army the artillery were largely Muslim, the cavalry mainly Sikh, the infantry Dogra, Gurkha, Sikh and Muslim.  He hired two hundred foreigners, including French, Italians, Americans and Anglo-Indians to train his troops in modern warfare (S. Stronge, The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms, London, 1999, p. 93).

The realistic portraiture of the subjects and the execution of the work in watercolor and wash against a plain ground bears the distinctive imprimatur of the Company School. Compare with a similar album page titled "Lahore Life Guards 1838" in the collection of the British Library; see M. Archer, Company Drawings in the India Office Library, 1972, p. 214. Also see S. Stronge, The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms, London, 1999, p. 17.