DUENNA AND COURTESANS NEGOTIATING WITH SUITORS


BIKANER, CIRCA 1700 Opaque watercolor and gold on paper. Image: 6 7/8 x 4 1/2 in. (17.5 x 11.5 cm);Folio: 8 1/4 x 5 7/8 in. (20.9 x 14.9 cm)
|In this finely painted scene, the wise and watchful eyes of the duenna are fixed on the two suitors beseeching entry into the pavilion. The handsome lord at the front has received a tilaka on the forehead from one of the courtesans, while another turns to the duenna, seemingly hopeful she will invite him in. Meanwhile, a second noble bows his head in respect to the duenna, crossing his arms submissively, hoping she will approve of his mate who signals for the duenna's decision. Exhibited Blumen, Bäume, Göttergärten, Völkerkunde-Museum, Hamburg, 17 March - 27 October 2013. Provenance Private German Collection