A PRINCESS INSTRUCTED IN SHOOTING DEER BY A NOBLEMAN, RAJASTHAN, JODHPUR, MID-17TH CENTURY

Opaque watercolour on paper

An unfinished work. Pale green pigment of foreground slightly thinning. Small stain in front of male figure. Very small parch of flaking at lower left centre. Edges uneven with small losses of pigment. As viewed.
"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."

This unfinished hunting scene can be attributed to Jodhpur in the mid to late 17th century. The palette and delicate rendering of the tree and landscape are close in style to a miniature of Princes Visiting Yogis by the Waterside of circa 1640-50, formerly in the Bachofen von Echt Collection, sold in these rooms 29 April 1992, lot 37 (see also Leach 1982, no.269). The turbans and general physiognomy of the male figure here is close to several members of the Jodhpur court under Raja Jaswant Singh (r. 1635-78). Specifically, he is almost identical to the figure of a courtier in Raja Jaswant Singh in Darbar, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London - the third figure from the right (see Welch 1976, no.64, p.114), and must surely be a representation of the same character. This nobleman is not identified in the Victoria and Albert Museum picture, but must be a senior member of court, as he sits facing Jaswant Singh with only one other courtier closer to the Raja. He is also shown at the far right in the hierarchy of courtiers in Jaswant Singh in Court, in the British Museum, London (see Leach 1982, no.198, Ahluwalia 2008, no.52, p.90).

It is worth noting the very long barrel of gun (partly obscured but visible under the green wash), which is rested on the shoulder of the female attendant in front. The nobleman has his arm around the huntress, indicating that he is instructing her in the skills of shooting. An identical composition in a Bikaner miniature is in the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai (see Desai 1985, no.64, p.80).