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The Indian miniature is far from being miniature in scope. This genre, which thrived across the South Asian continent for centuries, encompasses a wide range of cultures, religions, and subjects. From formal portraits of bureaucrats to fantastical mythical scenes, these small-sized images, originally created for albums or folios, stand out for their vibrant colors, intricate details, and the use of precious materials like malachite and lapis lazuli. This autumn, London is brimming with exhibitions and auctions dedicated to Indian miniatures. Sotheby’s will hold parts three and four of the sale of Stuart Cary Welch’s estate, considered one of the foremost collectors in the field. Christie’s will also be selling the collection of Toby Falk, an esteemed academic and specialist. Additionally, the MK Gallery in Milton Keynes opens an exhibition on South Asian miniature painting, while London’s Artist Room presents new works by British Sikh artist Jatinder Singh Durhailay. Art dealer Francesca Galloway, with five decades of experience, affirms, “It’s a time to move in!”
Miniatures have been cherished as gifts and souvenirs since the height of the Mughal empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. This is when the genre truly flourished, drawing inspiration from Persian art. Behnaz Atighi Moghaddam, an expert in Islamic and Indian art at Christie’s, declares, “For me, it’s the go-to when I think of Indian paintings.” In recent years, the market has seen a shift, with a rising affluent middle class in India displaying a greater interest in their own heritage and a penchant for purchasing high-quality works. The challenge lies in knowing where to start. Experts recommend focusing on one school and refining one’s eye, paying careful attention to provenance. The market for Mughal works, for example, experienced a slight dip but has since resurged. Sotheby’s highlights a prized portrait of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur as one of their auction highlights, with a starting price of £300,000-£500,000. Atighi Moghaddam personally favors the Pahari school of painting and points out a 19th-century picture, “Lady on a Swing,” which captures a sense of romanticism and emotion. The Company School, which produced works for British and French administrators during the decline of the Mughal empire, has also gained increased interest and value in the past decade. However, the market can be unpredictable, with varying price differentiations.
For collectors on a budget, there are options at multiple auction houses, such as Bonhams, Roseberys, and Chiswick Auctions, which cater to the lower end of the market. Regardless of age, provenance, or the artist’s name, charm remains the most important factor when it comes to value. A painting that captivates and compels is what truly matters. Francesca Galloway, a seasoned collector herself, offers two miniatures for sale, including a portrait of a musician and a scene from the Hindu legend, the Ramayama. She emphasizes the importance of being drawn to a piece and the inability to walk by without stopping and looking, as that is the true essence of collecting.
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