- 14
An Illustration from the Mahabharata: Bloody Battle between Krishna and Nikumbha, India, Kangra or Guler, circa 1820
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- An Illustration from the Mahabharata: Krishna rescues Arjuna in a Bloody Battle with Nikumbha
Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper
- image 12 5/8 by 16 7/8 in. (32.1 by 43 cm.)
- folio 14 1/4 by 18 1/2 in. (36.2 by 47 cm.) unframed
Opaque watercolour heightened with gold on paper.
In this climactic battle scene Krishna beheads Nikumbha with his discus, the Sudarshana Chakra, and rescues Arjuna from the demon's clutches.
The painting is remarkable for its virtuoso treatment of the narrative, depicting the demon's severed head and torso hurtling through the skies while Arjuna plummets gracefully into Pradyumna's waiting arms below.
See Sotheby's New York, September 19, 2006, lot 17, for an equally skilful depiction of Nikumbha boldly abducting Arjuna in the presence of Krishna and Pradyumna.
In this climactic battle scene Krishna beheads Nikumbha with his discus, the Sudarshana Chakra, and rescues Arjuna from the demon's clutches.
The painting is remarkable for its virtuoso treatment of the narrative, depicting the demon's severed head and torso hurtling through the skies while Arjuna plummets gracefully into Pradyumna's waiting arms below.
See Sotheby's New York, September 19, 2006, lot 17, for an equally skilful depiction of Nikumbha boldly abducting Arjuna in the presence of Krishna and Pradyumna.
Provenance
Acquired from the Royal Library of Mandi in 1969
Condition
Small areas of paint loss in upper left and right corners of border. Small abrasions on center left and center right. Good overall condition. Colors richer than 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. 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."