A Portrait of Jadu Rai of the Deccan, India, Delhi, circa 1800

Gouache with gold on paper, borders decorated with polychrome flowers

Formerly in the collection of the brothers William Fraser (1784-1835) and James Baillie Fraser (1783-1856)
Sold in these rooms, the Property of Malcolm R. Fraser Esq, 14 October 1980, lot 195

In overall good condition, some slight ware to outer edges and very minor creases, previous pin marks and some rubbing to each corner of central illustration and light traces of glue marks along its border, outline of this image's paper visible along the first internal border, colours bright, 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 and the following lot are from a series of paintings executed at Delhi around 1800 based on earlier Mughal originals in royal albums, which were acquired by William Fraser, who arrived in India in 1802. They and several others of similar type were sold in these rooms on 14 October 1980, lots 193-211. The present portrait is a copy of one in a royal Mughal album sold in these rooms on 12 December 1929, acquired by Hagop Kevorkian and subsequently known as the Kevorkian Album or the Emperor's Album, now divided between the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and the Freer Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC (see Welch et al 1987, no.74, pp.230-233).

The Fraser Brothers are best known in the context of Indian art for the celebrated 'Fraser Album' of Company School paintings (see Archer and Falk 1989).