
Dora Tan
Head of Sale, Specialist
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Sold for US$6,375 inc. premium
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Head of Sale, Specialist

International Director
Malkauns raga is sung in the wee hours of the morning, just after midnight, indicated in the painting's pewter sky lit by a crescent moon and a speckling of gold stars. The raga is said to have a soothing and intoxicating effect, perhaps given form in this painting with the breeze created by the attendant's fan and the maiden's beauty clearly captivating the male lover while she holds the viewer's gaze as well. The artist has taken great pains to ornament the pavilion, rendering a convincing marble trellis and pietra dura floral motifs with minute, gentle brushstrokes. Other paintings from the same Ragamala series are listed alongside the present lot in Maggs Bros. Ltd., "Bulletin No.8", February 1965, nos.11, 24, 26 & 38.
Published:
Maggs Bros. Ltd., "Bulletin No.8 - Ragamala Paintings and Eastern Music", February 1965, no.34, plate xxxii.
Provenance:
Collection of General Sir George Nugent, 1st Baronet (1757-1849), British Commander-in Chief, India (1811-3)
Maggs Bros. Ltd., London
Collection of F. S. Aijazuddin