DELHI, INDIA, CIRCA 1810-30

This painting is an excellent example of the increasing European influence on Delhi society in the 19thcentury. There are many details indicative of Western styles beginning to cohabit with more traditionally Indian interiors. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, “there was no tradition of ordinary seat furniture” (Skelton 1982, p.167) and elevated chairs were to be used only for Gods and kings. Here, the woman is reclining on a European-style daybed while smoking a traditional hookah, demonstrating comingling influences. Furniture became more “elaborately carved” (op.cit, p.167) as Indian ivory workers turned their skilled attention to the imported designs. An Anglo-Indian rosewood sofa with similarly carved and constructed legs was offered in these Rooms, 22 November 2011, lot 420, placing the painting firmly in the early to mid-19th century.

The marble pillar in the background is inlaid with a floral design and a scrolling border. The best known example of such a design is located in the Diwan-i-Khass in the Red Fort in Delhi. While not identical, there are borrowed features which may have served as inspiration for those in our painting and confirm the Delhi origin.

The pose was clearly popular, as another portrait in the Chester Beatty Library (acc.no.7.1707) features a woman in a near identical position. Their features are similar with both facing directly to the artist, instead of profile. This again demarcates a departure from Mughal painting towards the Company school style in alignment with the period.