Courtly Gathering Scene with Numbered Folio - Multi-Figure Palace Interior, North India, c. 1850-1880. Cet article n’est pas disponible.Courtly Gathering Scene with Numbered Folio - Multi-Figure Palace Interior, North India, c. 1850-1880

Artistic Context & Overview: This illustrated manuscript folio represents mid-to-late 19th-century North Indian painting traditions, circa 1850-1880, likely produced in Delhi, Lucknow, or Jaipur workshops. The painting depicts a courtly gathering with multiple figures arranged hierarchically within an elaborate palace pavilion, showing the continued production of narrative manuscripts in post-Mughal provincial courts. The composition demonstrates the democratization of manuscript illustration during this period, when such works became accessible beyond royal patronage to wealthy merchants and educated elites. The numbered folio (110) indicates this leaf belonged to a substantial illustrated text, possibly a historical chronicle, romantic epic, or religious narrative. Visual & Technical Description: Executed in opaque watercolor gouache and ink on handmade paper, the painting shows a two-tiered architectural scene framed by a decorative black border with white floral motifs. Material & Manuscript Context: The folio is executed on handmade laid paper showing characteristic age-related discoloration to warm tan tones. Two text panels in Persian/Urdu Nastaliq script frame the painting above and below. The verso contains extensive continuous prose text (approximately 30 lines), indicating this is an original manuscript leaf rather than a recycled folio. Critical documentary evidence appears in the margins: the number "110" is clearly written in Persian/Arabic numerals on the verso upper center, and Western numerals also appear, confirming this folio's sequential position within a larger bound manuscript. Additional marginal notations in Persian script appear in the verso upper corners, possibly indicating chapter or section divisions. Condition Summary: The folio presents in good condition for its age of 145-175 years. Colors remain vibrant with stable pigments showing good saturation. The paper displays natural age-appropriate discoloration and toning throughout. Moderate edge wear is present with visible losses and fraying along all margins, particularly at corners. Several small tears and creases are visible. Light foxing and staining appear on both recto and verso. The text panels remain clearly legible despite age. No major paint losses or modern restoration are evident. The verso text is complete and readable throughout. Overall, this piece maintains strong visual appeal despite honest wear from historical use and handling. Provenance & Significance: This numbered folio originated from a larger illustrated manuscript commissioned for narrative or historical purposes in mid-19th-century North India. Translation & Analysis (Front and Reverse): Upper Text Panel (Recto): The Persian/Urdu text appears to provide narrative context for the illustrated scene. While complete scholarly translation requires expert analysis, the text likely describes the gathering depicted below, identifying characters and their relationships or actions within the story. Lower Text Panel (Recto): Continues the narrative description related to the painted scene, providing dialogue, character motivations, or plot development typical of illustrated manuscript traditions. Verso Text (Full Page): The extensive prose text on the reverse continues the manuscript's narrative across approximately 30 lines. The text is written in clear Nastaliq script and appears to be continuous prose rather than poetry. Conclusion: A well-preserved mid-19th-century illustrated manuscript folio depicting a multi-figure courtly gathering scene with complete text and folio numbering, dating circa 1850-1880, valued at approximately $725. …