- 237
A Black Hunting Saluki
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- A Black Hunting Saluki
- Ink and watercolor on paper
- image 19 1/4 by 23 5/8 in. (49 by 60 cm.)
As the swiftest of hounds, the saluki commanded special respect in India, and was associated with the royal hunt. Traditionally, the dog is regarded as unclean in both Hindu and Muslim cultures, but the gazelle-like saluki, which was originally bread by the Bedouin Arabs for its speed and endurance, was always an exception.
According to Hindu myth, the dog was originally created by Brahma who then asked him to find and serve the greatest creature on earth. The dog, understandably, settled upon the elephant as his master. However, when he was rebuked for barking at night, lest he attract the attention of a lion, he realized he had made the wrong choice and decided to serve the lion instead. But the lion in turn complained that his bark would attract a hunter. Finally the dog found its right master, the hunter, who abided his barking without fear of a more powerful creature (Toby Falk, Elephants of Fame and Other Animals in Indian Painting, London, 1988).
This large study, possibly from a Rajasthan court, is noteworthy for its focus on the power of the animal. The artist has chosen not to elaborate on surface details such as the animal's coat or collar but to emphasize instead the physical power and presence of the beast. For an earlier, more stylized depiction of a saluki with its keeper, from Mewar, see Daniel Ehnbom, The Ehrenfeld Collection, New York, 1985, pp. 122-23.
According to Hindu myth, the dog was originally created by Brahma who then asked him to find and serve the greatest creature on earth. The dog, understandably, settled upon the elephant as his master. However, when he was rebuked for barking at night, lest he attract the attention of a lion, he realized he had made the wrong choice and decided to serve the lion instead. But the lion in turn complained that his bark would attract a hunter. Finally the dog found its right master, the hunter, who abided his barking without fear of a more powerful creature (Toby Falk, Elephants of Fame and Other Animals in Indian Painting, London, 1988).
This large study, possibly from a Rajasthan court, is noteworthy for its focus on the power of the animal. The artist has chosen not to elaborate on surface details such as the animal's coat or collar but to emphasize instead the physical power and presence of the beast. For an earlier, more stylized depiction of a saluki with its keeper, from Mewar, see Daniel Ehnbom, The Ehrenfeld Collection, New York, 1985, pp. 122-23.
Literature
Toby Falk, Elephants of Fame and Other Animals in Indian Painting, London, 1988
Condition
This work is dated circa 1750 and not 1850 as stated 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. 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."
"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."