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Lot Essay
Unlike the previous example, this drawing is the epitome of introspection. Using a very simple palette, Nainsukh has portrayed the king's and swan's portraits alike with extraordinary delicacy. The composition is also very unusual; unlike his known drawings of his patron in architectural settings, Nainsukh uses an overhead plan, depicting only the swan and Raja Balwant Dev Singh within a courtyard, seemingly engaged in unspoken communication.
The verso of the drawing has "Raja Balwant Rao & a swan" and "6 shillings" written in the same handwriting as that found on the back of other works by the same artist (see Christie's New York, 21 March 2008, lot 507 and the previous lot). As this drawing does not seem to match any of the descriptions from the Sotheby's 1931 sale of Sir Dorab J. Tata's paintings, it is unknown if this drawing was a part of his collection. Either way, it was clearly handled by the same dealer from whom Tata acquired his other works into other private collections, to be published here for the first time.
The verso of the drawing has "Raja Balwant Rao & a swan" and "6 shillings" written in the same handwriting as that found on the back of other works by the same artist (see Christie's New York, 21 March 2008, lot 507 and the previous lot). As this drawing does not seem to match any of the descriptions from the Sotheby's 1931 sale of Sir Dorab J. Tata's paintings, it is unknown if this drawing was a part of his collection. Either way, it was clearly handled by the same dealer from whom Tata acquired his other works into other private collections, to be published here for the first time.