MUGDHA NAYIKA: A MESSENGER SPEAKS TO KRISHNA A FOLIO FROM THE RASIKAPRIYA OF KESHAV DAS

Acquired early 1990's

Some slight staining and minor surface rubbing particularly in the architectural elements on middle right. Occasional under-drawing visible and showing through. Slightly uneven yellow borders. Verso: Small stains with old hinge and glue remnants. Old inventory label with inscription.Conservation framed.
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.

An ardent blue-skinned lord (nayaka) listens to the message of a sakhi (confidante) from his beloved Radha.  He presents a mudra (hand gesture) as he intently listens - he grasps a slender column to steady himself.  They formally sit within a chamber of a turreted pavilion.  His nayika (beloved) sits holding her veil on a couch in another pavilion, hesitatingly looking away, but thinking of him.  A cat walks below.

The inscription at the top reads: 

"The nayika’s eye brows have grown and have become arched  and seem to dance  
Her waist is still slim but her buttocks have become larger
She is more thoughtful in her speech and there is hesitation in her eyes
Her gait has become steady                 
O! Krishna you need to be patient for a little while longer as youth has driven out innocence from her ripening breasts." 
(translation by Harsha Dehejia) 

Other folios from this important dispersed series are in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum - see A. Poster et al., Realms of Heroism: Indian Paintings in the Brooklyn Museum, New York, 1994, p. 209–11, cat. 162–4, the Government Museum, Udaipur; the National Museum, New Delhi; Bharat Kala Bhavan, Benares and other public and private collections worldwide.