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113
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[RAJPUT MINIATURES]. Large Tiger-Hunting Scene with Elephant…
See original version (Italian)
113
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[RAJPUT MINIATURES]. Large Tiger-Hunting Scene with Elephant…
See original version (Italian)
Estimate €4,000 - €6,000
Voluntary lot
Description
[RAJPUT MINIATURES]. Large Tiger-Hunting Scene with Elephants. [North-western India, probably Rajasthan, late 17th–early 18th century].
A spectacular tiger-hunting scene from the Rajput school, heavily influenced by the Mughal pictorial tradition and distinguished by its exceptionally dynamic and densely populated composition. The hunt is depicted at its dramatic climax: the tiger, already struck by three arrows, lies on a rocky ledge as numerous hunters, both on foot and mounted on five elephants, close in on their prey. In the centre, an elephant carrying a red howdah bears a high-ranking figure accompanied by two mahouts. The figure may have been intended to represent Emperor Jahangir (1569–1627), although this identification cannot be regarded as certain. The scene unfolds across a vast landscape of hills, rocky outcrops and dense vegetation, amongst which further armed hunting parties can be seen; in the distance, a detailed urban view creates a striking sense of depth. The elephant hunt, a particularly favoured subject in Mughal court painting, serves here as the setting for an elaborate ensemble composition in which the profusion of figures, animals and landscape is combined with the vibrant colour palette characteristic of Rajput painting. The work offers an interesting example of the Rajasthani reinterpretation of models derived from imperial Mughal miniature painting, probably dating from the late seventeenth or early eighteenth century.
Miniature on paper (330 × 440 mm), within a double polychrome border decorated with scrolling gilt foliage; mounted within a later rigid card frame, probably from the late 19th century, richly decorated with polychrome floral motifs. In very good condition, with some loss of pigment, particularly on the faces, and general signs of age. (1)
See original version (Italian)
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