AN INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTING OF RAMA AND SITA WITH LAKSHMANA AND HANUMAN

AN INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTING OF RAMA AND SITA WITH LAKSHMANA AND HANUMAN India, late 18th to early 19th century. Ink, watercolors, gouache, and gold on paper, laid down on paper. Finely painted with Rama and Sita seated on an ornate red carpet on a terrace overlooking a charbagh, flanked by Rama’s brother Lakshmana to the left waving a flywhisk and his devoted follower Hanuman to the right. The four figures are dressed in fine jewels and silks, all in a verdant landscape. Inscriptions: To the top in gold paint, ‘Rama’. Provenance: Swiss trade. Acquired from an old private collection. Condition: Good condition with minor wear, soiling, few losses, and minor creasing. Dimensions: Image size 25.7 x 15 cm, Size incl. frame 32.2 x 21.5 cm The present painting represents the final scene of the Ramayana, as Rama and Sita are gloriously reunited after exile, abduction, and war. They are attended to by Rama’s brother Lakshmana, waving a flywhisk above the couple, and their trusted companion Hanuman, who pays homage to the newly reunited couple. Literature comparison: Compare a related miniature painting of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, dated 1760-1770, size 30.3 x 21.5 cm, in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number D.357-1908. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams London, 29 March 2022, lot 243 Price: GBP 7,012 or approx. EUR 9,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: Rama and Sita giving audience to Hanuman, Pahari, probably Kangra, circa 1830-40 Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and manner of painting. Note the size (23.5 x 17.5 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 22 March 2023, lot 372 Price: USD 37,800 or approx. EUR 35,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A painting of Rama and Sita enthroned with Lakshmana and Hanuman, India, Punjab hills, Guler, circa 1800 Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and manner of painting. Note the size (21 x 15.9 cm).