AN ILLUSTRATION TO A HARIVAMSA SERIES: PRADYUMNA AND RATI IN THE PALACE OF THE ASURA SAMBARA FROM THE CIRCLE OF PURKHU

Stable overall condition with abrasions to pigment on extremities and losses to paper on upper left corner and middle left edge, clearly seen in catalog illustration. Pronounced diagonal crease on upper right and lower left edges of image. Slight abrasions and stains to white architectural elements. Red folio border cropped. Exhibited in a temporary frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Pradyumna, the son of Krishna and Rukmini, encountering the beautiful Rati, the Goddess of love and consort of Kama, twice in the house of the demon-king Sambara.

Depictions of Hindu epic narratives such as this folio from a dispersed Harivamsa series can lead to tour-de-force paintings in the hands of Pahari painters influenced by the studio of the artist Purkhu (active 1790-1820) who is considered the principal master of the royal atelier of Maharaja Sansar Chand (r. 1775-1823) of Kangra, arguably the single most influential painting studio of the Pahari region in the first half of the 19th Century.

For background reference for the works of Purkhu and his circle see Goswamy and Fischer, Pahari Masters, Zurich, 1992 pp. 367-387.

For further reference see Archer W.G., Indian Paintings from the Punjab Hills, 1973, vol. I P. 283 / Vol. II, p.197; Christie’s South Kensington, June, 2013,  lots 16 and 19; J. Guy and J. Britschgi, Wonder of the Age: Master Painters of India 1300 – 1900, New York,  pp. 176; Museum of Fine Arts Boston, acc. no. 65.419 and The San Diego Museum of Art, acc. no. 1990.1303 and acc. no. 1990.1302.