19th C. Indian Mughal Painting - Prince on Horse

Central Asia, India, Mughal Empire , ca. 19th Century CE. Finely delineated with gouache and gold leaf on paper. A handsome depiction of a prince or leader, riding a white horse, with two attendants walking to either side and two endearing white puppies accompanying them as well. The scene is presented beneath serene azure blue skies, and the entire composition is surrounded by a red border. The prince is dressed in royal robes, a fancy turban, and a luxurious belt/sash with gilt handled swords tucked beneath. His profile visage is quite regal with the visible dark brown eye framed by a raised brow, a naturalistic nose, and finely delineated facial hair. Finely painted on paper (either Bansaha from crushed bamboo, Tatha from jute, or Tulat from cotton) and matted. Size: 11.125" L x 7.125" W (28.3 cm x 18.1 cm); 14.5" L x 10.375" W (36.8 cm x 26.4 cm) including matte.

Mughal painting refers to a type of miniature painting - either serving as book illustrations or created as single work. The term miniature suggests a tiny scale; however, it actually indicates a style of watercolor work similar to early European book illustrations that used the red pigment minia. Some Indian miniatures are in fact quite large. The Mughal style stems from Persian miniature painting, though with Indian Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist influences, evolving largely throughout the Mughal Empire (16th to 19th centuries), and eventually spreading to other Indian courts - Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh - flourishing during the reigns of Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Jahangir. The tradition continues today with Mughal-style miniature paintings still being created, though by a relatively small number of artists in Rajasthan.

Provenance: ex-Palmyra Heritage Gallery, New York, New York, USA (November 24, 2019 - Lot 194); ex-Khan Family collection, New Jersey, USA, 1990s; ex-private Pakistan collection, 1970s

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#153169
Condition Report: Very good overall save slight stains in background likely made when painted with watercolor. Painted on paper (either Bansaha from crushed bamboo, Tatha from jute, or Tulat from cotton) and pasted to cardboard. Handwritten on verso, "Emperor on a horse / Indian Miniature / early 19th century." Label residue on lower right corner of matte.