MANDI, NORTHERN INDIA, 1770-80

Details

RAJA SHAMSHER SEN OF MANDI
MANDI, NORTHERN INDIA, 1770-80
Opaque pigments on paper with black, white and red rules, set within an orange margin, inscription at the top of the painting in Takri, the reverse plain, with flyleaf
Painting 10 1/4 x 6 1/2in. (26 x 16.4cm.); folio 13 1/2 x 9 1/4in. (34 x 24.3cm.)

Literature

L. V. Habighorst, P. A. Reichart, V. Sharma, Genuss und Rausch. Betel, Tabak, wein und Rauschdrogen in Indischen Miniaturen, Ragaputra Edition, Koblenz, 2007, p. 54, plate 27
J.P. Losty, Indian Paintings from the Ludwig Habighorst Collection, Francesca Galloway, London, 2018, no. 16

Exhibited

Betel, Tabak, Wein, Hasch und Opium in der indischen Malerei, Museum Rietberg, Zürich, 12 January - 2 May 2010 (used as exhibition poster)
Genuss und Rausch - Wein, Tabak und Drogen in indischen Miniaturen, Museum für Islamische Kunst, Pergamonmuseum, Berlin, 21 April - 22 June 2014 (used as exhibition poster)

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Lot Essay

Inscriptions:
In Takri; sri Sidh Sen

Despite an inscription giving the name of Raja Sidh Sen, who is depicted in lot 88, this portrait is in fact Raja Shamsher Sen of Mandi (r.1727-81). Despite his long rule, Raja Shamsher Sen was noted for 'mental instability, a wilful liking for low companions, crazy habits and even at times for odd dressings-up'. For a portrait of him and a short discussion on the Raja, see W.G. Archer, Visions of Courtly India, The Archer Collection of Pahari Miniatures, Washington, 1976, cat.59, pp.110-111. Very similar depictions of Raja Shamsher Sen have been sold in these Rooms, 23 September 2005, lot 74 and 26 May 2016, lot 40.

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