The durbar of Akbar Shah II, India, Mughal, Delhi, first half 19th Century

gouache with gold on paper, inscription of identification in cartouche above, laid down on cream card

In generally good condition, with a tear in the left-hand side affecting a very minor part of the picture plane, there are minor areas of flaking, notably to the floor and on the panels above the throne, also on some of the figures on both sides, there appears to be some minor retouching to certain areas, the picture mounted on a piece of cardboard, tiny old worm hole damage to shoulder of the front man in blue on the right-hand side, minor tear to top right-hand side, 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."

inscriptions:

Sultan Ibn Sultan Sahib al-Mufazi Wali Ni'mat Haqiqi Khudavand Mujazi Abu Nasir Mu'in al-Din Muhammad Akbar Shah Pad-Shah Ghazi

This familiar scene of Emperor Akbar Shah II (r.1806-37) enthroned during a durbar is identical in its composition to a slightly larger version sold in Sotheby's New York, 17 March 1988, lot 500.