Indian Company School Artist, Figures, Mica & Gouache Paintings, Set of 8

Details

Description

An original early 19th-century set of 8 Indian gouache paintings on transparent mica.A fantastically vivid set of 8 19th-century Indian … Read more An original early 19th-century set of 8 Indian gouache paintings on transparent mica.A fantastically vivid set of 8 19th-century Indian gouache paintings on transparent mica depicting street sellers and trades.The detailed colourful figures comprise a Dhobi washerman, Textile dyer, Bhisti Water-carrier, Burkundaz armed guard, Khidmutgar servant, Hindoo religious devotee and male and female vegetable and grain sellers.Indian Company paintings on mica are rare; it is estimated that as of now, there are only around 7,000 mica paintings available in the world.The micas are loose with no mount or backing.Each measuring approximately 12.8 x 9.7cm.An inscription accompanying the collection indicates a likely provenance: 'probably bought by Capt Guise'. This is possibly Lt Colonel John Guise (1813–1890), HEICS of The Bengal Army, Lt General John Christopher Guise VC CB (1826–1895) who served with the British Army at Lucknow in 1857, or his brother Major Henry John Guise (1817–1857) who was killed in action during the Indian Rebellion.All artworks come with a Certificate of Authenticity and—if it is a collection artwork—its accompanying collection text or artist biography. Signed: No. Inscribed: No. Height: 12.8cm (5″) Width: 9.7cm (3.8″) Condition: Overall the mica paintings are in good condition, with vivid colours and minimal paint and mica loss. The mica has some degree of delamination in places, with a limited amount of associated brown staining. Some minor wear / small losses to the corners of the mica, as per the photos. One mica sheet has flaking at the upper left and a historic tape repair to the lower right corner. Please see photos for detail. Presented: Unframed. See less