Maharaja Hari Rao Holkar of Indore with Family and Attendants, Company School, Delhi, circa 1830

Gouache on paper, depicting Maharaja Hari Rao Holkar of Indore sitting against a bolster on a florally-decorated rug on a terrace, with his talwar sword on his lap, surrounded by family and attendants

In generally good overall condition, some minor areas of flaking, bottom left hand leaf edge repaired with associated overpainting, 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."

Maharaja Hari Rao Holkar ruled Indore from 1834-43. He came to the throne after a complex struggle for succession during which he was imprisoned in Maheshwar Fort for fourteen years. He was not well equipped to rule, appointing a prime minister who left the state finances in ruin. A failed uprising in 1835 left Hari Rao a virtual recluse, refusing to leave his palace for 15 months. The British finally intervened, ensuring that order be restored. In 1841, in response to his failing health, Hari Rao adopted the fourteen year old Khande Rao, a distant relative of the Holkar family, as his heir to the throne.

This work is closely related to the drawings of the Fraser artists, commissioned by James and William Fraser in Delhi between 1815 and 1820. Discovered in 1979, they are some of the most celebrated examples of Company painting. The present work shares the same soft palette and gentle naturalism, characterised by an innovative union of western and Indian pictorial styles. The detailed carving is reminiscent of contemporary architectural drawing, while through the windows is a heady vista of trees and foliage that suggests the influence of Victorian oil painting. Of particular note is the fine portraiture, with minute detailing and precision in the application of colour, in addition to charming details such as the toy horse held by the child at the lower left.

The painting is signed as the work of 'Ram Lalljee'. It is interesting to note that the only Fraser artist to have been named in the diaries of his patrons was called 'Lalljee'. Three paintings have been attributed to him, two of a nautch girl called Malaguire and one of William Fraser himself, all dated to 1815 (See Archer and Falk, plates 15 and 124 and fig.11). While it is closely related to the drawings of the Fraser albums, Jerry Losty believes this to be a later work, attributable to Delhi circa 1830.