- 325
A Merlin (Falco Columbarius), Company School, Calcutta, circa 1800
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Gouache on paper
watercolour on paper, thin cloth strip on the left side, numbered '472' and inscribed at bottom chu turmtay (the Persian for a Merlin)
Condition
Painted area in good condition, colours bright, minor staining and scuffs. Cloth strip on the left side is slightly faded. 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The Merlin (falco columbarius) is a bird of prey whose distribution range covers the majority of the northern hemisphere. It winters in northern India, Pakistan and Central Asia. Although small (up to 35cm in length) it is strong and fast with good stamina, and is capable of taking small game birds such as quail and smaller francolin. The word turmtay, inscribed at lower right, is the Persian word for a merlin, close to the Turkish toromtay.
Although executed for a British or other European patron, the inclusion of the perch in the present work shows the remaining influence of traditional Mughal style bird studies, in which a perch would frequently be included. This study may originate from a large natural history series acquired by Lord Wenlock, governor of Madras from 1891 to 1896. A number of watercolours of birds, reptiles and plants from that collection were sold in these rooms 17 June 1999, lots 70-83, and at Christie's London, 30 September 1997, lot 1-20. Many were of similar dimensions and bore similar numbering and inscriptions, and one in particular, depicting a Laggar Falcon (Christie's, lot 13), was very close to the present work.
Although executed for a British or other European patron, the inclusion of the perch in the present work shows the remaining influence of traditional Mughal style bird studies, in which a perch would frequently be included. This study may originate from a large natural history series acquired by Lord Wenlock, governor of Madras from 1891 to 1896. A number of watercolours of birds, reptiles and plants from that collection were sold in these rooms 17 June 1999, lots 70-83, and at Christie's London, 30 September 1997, lot 1-20. Many were of similar dimensions and bore similar numbering and inscriptions, and one in particular, depicting a Laggar Falcon (Christie's, lot 13), was very close to the present work.