Lot Essay
Painting from Mandi, a kingdom in the Punjab Hills, was initially characterized by a rougher style. Royal intermarriage between the Mandi and Guler kingdoms led to exchanges between the court artists of the various kingdoms and in turn more naturalistic developments in the Mandi style. This is exemplified by subtle shading of the figures' faces and the detailing of the garments and animal fur. Shiva, Lord of the Dance, is interpreted by the artist in a celestial concert performance.