Opaque watercolour & gold on paper, Murshidabad
Late 18th century
26 x 34.5 cms
The Horse is made up of various animals, birds & human figures. Composite
animals were popular during Akbar’s reign & were also known in South
India at Anegudi in the 16th century (Stella Kramrisch, 'A Survey of Painting
in the Deccan', 1937). Though the meaning behind composite animals is not
clear Stuart Cary Welch believes they are representations of earth spirits,
perhaps of Sufi inspiration (Stuart Cary Welch, Indian Drawings & Painted
Sketches, 1976). The Horse is set in a Murshidabad Landscape.
Provenance: With an Officer of the East India Company, given by him to his
daughter in the ealrly 19th century.
