MEETING A SADHU IN THE WILDERNESS
Pahari Hills, North India, mid to late 19th century

Opaque pigments, white wash and gold on paper, the horizontal composition depicting a gathering between two men dressed in courtly attires and a holy wise man (sadhu) in front of his hut in the woods, one of the men wearing a golden dupatta and encrusted jewellery, both wearing a turban, the sadhu sitting cross-legged in a typical yoga position on an animal skin spread, a peacock running freely next to the hut, the trees filling the space on the sides and creating emphasis on the central scene in a fashion typical of Pahari paintings, mounted, glazed and framed, 27cm x 34cm including the frame.

Provenance: Acquired by the mother in law of the present vendor at the time when she and her husband were stationed in India (c. 1920 - 1947);
From 1979 onwards, by descent, in the family private collection in the UK.