A lady being observed by her lover, folio from a Ragamala series

Within an intricately pillared terrace, against a verdant backdrop, a lady, seated on an elaborate gold throne, inspects herself in a mirror held by an attendant. A second female attendant caresses the princess’s hennaed feet. Hidden amongst the foliage is a prince who peers at the toilet scene.

Historical period(s)
ca. 1720
School
Bikaner school
Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 21.6 × 15 cm (8 1/2 × 5 15/16 in)
Geography
India, Rajasthan state, Bikaner
Credit Line
Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection — funds provided by the Friends of the Freer and Sackler Galleries
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2018.1.85
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Painting

Keywords
attendant, India, man, ragamala, Ralph and Catherine Benkaim collection, throne, woman
Provenance

From 1890s
Hugh Gracey, purchased in India [1]

?
General Sir Douglas Gracey (1894-1964), by descent from his father, Hugh Gracey [2]

?
Anonymous collector
Acquired from General Sir Douglas Gracey (1894-1964)

1999
Sale, London, Phillips Son & Neale Limited, Chinese and Japanese Ceramics and Works of Art Including Jades, Textiles and Fans, November 19, 1999, lot no. 188, “A Mughal Period Miniature”

From 1999 to 2004
Sam Fogg, Rare Books and Manuscripts, London, purchased at auction, “Chinese and Japanese Ceramics and Works of Art Including Jades, Textiles and Fans,” Phillips Son & Neale Limited, London, Nov. 19, 199, lot no. 188, “A Mughal Period Miniature” [3]

From 2004 to 2018
Catherine Glynn Benkaim, Beverly Hills, California, purchased from Sam Fogg, Rare Books and Manuscripts, London in July 2004

From 2018
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, partial gift and purchase from Catherine Glynn Benkaim

Notes:

[1] Hugh Gracey purchased the painting in India while he was in the Indian Civil Service in the 1890s. See Phillips Son and Neale Limited auction catalogue, November 19, 1999.

[2] Sir Douglas Gracey was the last British Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan army.

[3] According to information provided by Sam Fogg, Rare Books and Manuscripts.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Phillips Son & Neale, Ltd
Hugh Gracey
Sir Douglas Gracey 1894-1964
Catherine Glynn Benkaim
Sam Fogg, Ltd.

Description

Within an intricately pillared terrace, against a verdant backdrop, a lady, seated on an elaborate gold throne, inspects herself in a mirror held by an attendant. A second female attendant caresses the princess’s hennaed feet. Hidden amongst the foliage is a prince who peers at the toilet scene.

Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
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