- 12
A group of Fourteen Illustrations from a Devi series, India, Mandi, circa 1770
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- A Group of Fourteen Illustrations from a Devi Series
Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper
- image 10 by 13 11/16 in. (25.4 by 34.9 cm.) and slightly smaller
- folio 11 3/4 by 15 3/8 in. (29.8 by 39 cm.) and slightly smaller, [14], unframed, 3 illustrated
Opaque watercolour heightened with gold on paper.
The present group features illustrations from the Devi Mahatmya, the Puranic myth that recounts the cataclysmic battle between the Great Goddess in her various manifestations, and an array of mighty demons representing the forces of evil, where Devi repeatedly emerges victorious.
The present illustrations picture the struggle between Devi and the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and their subordinates. These demons had acquired immense power, driving the Gods from the heavens, who then invoked the supreme Goddess Parvati to come to their aid. Parvati appeared before them and from her form emerged the resplendent Goddess Kaushiki.
Upon hearing of Kaushiki's divine beauty Shumbha and Nishumbha sent their messenger Sugriva to her with a proposal of marriage. Devi rebuffed the offer and instead challenged the demons to battle.
In the carnage that ensued Devi first vanquished the powerful general Dhumralochana followed by the demons Chanda and Munda, and then in a climactic battle defeated first Nishumbha and then Shumbha. The illustrations depict the various stages of this conflict in detail.
For other illustrations from the same series, see Sotheby's New York, September 20, 2005, lot 124; September 19, 2006, lot 20 and March 19, 2008, lot 203.
The present group features illustrations from the Devi Mahatmya, the Puranic myth that recounts the cataclysmic battle between the Great Goddess in her various manifestations, and an array of mighty demons representing the forces of evil, where Devi repeatedly emerges victorious.
The present illustrations picture the struggle between Devi and the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and their subordinates. These demons had acquired immense power, driving the Gods from the heavens, who then invoked the supreme Goddess Parvati to come to their aid. Parvati appeared before them and from her form emerged the resplendent Goddess Kaushiki.
Upon hearing of Kaushiki's divine beauty Shumbha and Nishumbha sent their messenger Sugriva to her with a proposal of marriage. Devi rebuffed the offer and instead challenged the demons to battle.
In the carnage that ensued Devi first vanquished the powerful general Dhumralochana followed by the demons Chanda and Munda, and then in a climactic battle defeated first Nishumbha and then Shumbha. The illustrations depict the various stages of this conflict in detail.
For other illustrations from the same series, see Sotheby's New York, September 20, 2005, lot 124; September 19, 2006, lot 20 and March 19, 2008, lot 203.
Provenance
Acquired from the Royal Library of Mandi in 1969
Condition
Most in very good condition. Some with minor staining and losses. One illustration with more extensive water area at center. No restoration.
"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."