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This depiction from the
Rasikapriya
shows a confidante
conveying a message to a
nayika
seated on a terrace. In the
background above the pavilion, the
nayika
is seen parting
ways with her
nayak
, Krishna, probably after an argument.
The present lot is from a phase of the Bikaner school which
was greatly indebted to the Mughal school of painting.
The vibrant reds and yellows traditional of early Rajasthani
schools are largelymissing here, seen only in the confidante’s
clothing. The cool green and blue is a clear influence from
the Mughal palette, characteristic of the late Jahangir and
Shah Jahan periods, particularly evident in portraiture. The
pointed crown of Krishna is also a Mughal feature. The fine
line and meticulous, high level of sophistication in treating
the pictorial elements is another feature that distinguishes
the Bikaner school.
This painting can be attributed to the reign of Maharaja
Anoop Singh, who was a general in the army of Aurangzeb
and famous for his encounters at Bijapur in 1675, and
Adoni in 1678. Because of this engagement with the
Deccan, paintings from Bikaner also have a strong Deccani
influence, as seen in the flower beds on the terrace in the
foreground.
13
CONVERSATION ON A
TERRACE: AN ILLUSTRATION
FROM A RASIKAPRIYA
BIKANER, CIRCA 1710
Gouache on paper heightened with gold
Image: 7.5 x 6.25 in (19.6 x 12.8 cm)
Folio: 10.5 x 7.5 in (26.7 x 19.4 cm)
Rs 35,00,000 ‒ 45,00,000
$ 52,240 - 67,165
NON‒EXPORTABLE
REGISTERED ANTIQUITY
PROVENANCE
The Motichand Khajanchi Collection