A nobleman observing a maiden walking beside a palace fountain, India, Kishangarh, 18th century

The figures display the accentuated features and elongated eye characteristic of the Kishangarh school during the eighteenth century. The style was initially developed by the Mughal artist Bhavanidas who arrived in Kishangarh in 1719. The style was further exaggerated by Nihal Chand in the middle of the eighteenth century and coincided with the reign of the poet-prince Raja Savant Singh (1699-1764). The legend of the romance between the Raja Savant Singh and his consort Bani Thani apparently inspired the numerous depictions of Krishna and Radha within idyllic palace settings. It is likely that the present lot was painted by an artist from Nihal Chand's circle. For further discussion of Nihal Chand and his influence see Beach 2011, pp.595-606.