Indian Court Paintings, New York

For Asia Week 2014, Prahlad Bubbar will present ‘Indian Court Paintings: Recent Acquisitions’, a collection of works on paper dating from the 17th-19th centuries. Of particular importance are two portraits from the finest known series of Sikh Gurus, one of which was published by W.G. Archer in his Paintings of the Sikhs (1966). In addition to being works of great beauty and technical virtuosity, these portraits are of vital importance to the history of Sikh painting. Together they attest to the existence of Sikh patronage of artists working in the Guler style during the late 18th century.

A large-scale jharokha portrait of Maharana Bhim Singh of Udaipur, attributed to the master artist Chokha, illustrates the classic style of Mewar painting at the turn of the 19th century. Bold forms, rich colours and witty characterisation make Chokha one of the great innovators in the history of Rajput painting, all of which are exemplified in this rare and substantial work.

A sublime arabesque from 17th century Bijapur invites the viewer to delight in the spirited beauty of Islamic ornament from the Deccani courts. Floral sprays inhabited by creatures from the natural and supernatural worlds reveal the far-flung influences on the art of this rich and cosmopolitan region, from Renaissance Europe in the West to China in the East.

Four exquisite Ragamala paintings from the Deccan demonstrate the sensitivity and lyricism of 18th century Deccani painting, executed in vibrant colours with rich expanses of gold. The Persian epic the Shahnameh is brought to life in a selection of manuscript pages from the Mughal provinces c. 1780-1820, presenting an impassioned display of demons, warriors and heroes set amongst mythical landscapes.

The exhibition is accompanied by a preview of ‘The Sense of a Moment: Gianni Berengo Gardin’, a photography show opening in our London gallery on 11 April 2014. Gianni Berengo Gardin is Italy’s most celebrated living photographer, having produced over 250 publications and innumerable exhibitions worldwide. The exhibition will feature vintage prints of India in addition to his iconic images of Italy.

Prahlad Bubbar is a dealer and consultant of Indian and Islamic art based in London. He is a specialist in Indian painting and has placed works of historical importance and great beauty in leading museums and private collections around the world. He holds regular exhibitions at his gallery in Mayfair accompanied by publications that receive widespread critical acclaim.

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