A maiden being presented to a Prince (possibly Maharaja Bahadur Singh or Birad Singh), Rajasthan, Kishangarh, second half 18th century

gouache heightened with gold on paper, laid down on card, narrow gold borders, Devanagari inscription to reverse

Painted area in fairly good condition, colours bright, some paint loss. Borders with some rubbing and scuffs and some paint loss. Inscriptions and marks on reverse. 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 miniature shows a young maiden dressed in red and gold being presented to a seated Prince. As with other mid-eighteenth century Kishangarhi figures, the delicately painted, idealised 'Kishangarh faces' with accentuated features are instantly recognisable. The prince sits in a regal pose with his chest thrust forward and back arched; a feature that is synonymous with the school, and which seems to have been established by its most celebrated artist Nihal Chand who first represented his ruler Savant Singh (b.1699) in just such a polished fashion.

The scene is set on a terrace next to a body of water, possibly Gundalao Lake, situated next to Kishangarh, and an extensive landscape vista.