A. E. Harris (1865-1951)

Both canvases have been restretched, lined and recently cleaned and varnished. Both paintings appear to be in good overall condition. Not inspected under U.V light. Colors richer and brighter than in catalogue illustration.
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.

A. E. Harris was born in Birmingham, England. He studied at the Cardiff School of Art, Hatherley`s School of Art and South Kensington College of Art. He arrived in Bombay in 1890 and worked for the photographic firm of Johnson and Hoffman. In 1897 he moved to Calcutta to set up his own portrait studio. During his 37-year stay in India he painted numerous portraits of Indian princes, British administrators, Christian subjects as well as landscapes of places viewed during his travels in India. His paintings still grace the altar of the Armenian Church in Calcutta.

These two portraits of Bengali princes display a certain swagger which reflects the wealth and authority of the princely class who prospered under the British Empire. Although painted in the 20th century these portraits hark back to English portraiture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly the works of Gainsborough, which were based on an acute observation of human nature.