A PORTRAIT OF A DECCANI NOBLEMAN SMOKING A HUQQA, INDIA, DECCAN, HYDERABAD, CIRCA 1800-20 |

gouache with gold on paper

Ex-collection of Sir Henry Russell, 2^nd Baronet, British Resident at Hyderabad, 1811-20.
Ex-private collection, London, 1960s.

In good condition, minor stains and smudges, 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."

A label on the reverse indicates that this portrait once belonged to Sir Henry Russell, who was British Resident at Pune from 1809 to 1811 and then at Hyderabad from 1811 to 1820. He had previously been secretary and assistant to James Achilles Kirkpatrick, the British Resident at Hyderabad from 1798 to 1805, and features prominently in William Dalrymple’s White Mughals (2004). He no doubt acquired this Hyderabad portrait during one of his two postings in that city. For similar portraits see Sotheby’s, London, 4 May 1977, lots 353-4, 20 April 2017, lot 103; Christie’s, London, 3 July 1980, lots 126-7, 23 September 2005, lot 71.