A young prince visiting holy men, India, Delhi, circa 1800

Pencil and gouache heightened with gold on paper, borders with floral designs in colours and gold on cream paper in the style of the Shah Jahan Albums

In good overall condition, a few minor abrasions to the album page edges, laid down on card, minor crease to the bottom of the drawing, otherwise good, 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 composition is based on a seventeenth-century Mughal original. Many such later versions were produced at Delhi and elsewhere at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and were often acquired by European collectors. Interestingly, this page is very close in style and is almost identical in size to other such paintings acquired by William Fraser (see lots 85-89 in this sale) and probably came from the same group produced at a single workshop, probably in Delhi. However, this particular page never entered William's collection and was no doubt acquired by another European collector at around the same time. The young prince here resembles Dara Shikoh.