South Asia, India, ca. early 20th century. A wonderful pair of pendant portraits depicting an Indian man and woman. The young lady is presented in half-length, balancing a large basket of fruit upon her head, her body clad in colorful sari fabrics of lapis lazuli blue and ruby red hues with golden trim adorning her arms and midriff. Lustrous gold jewelry - including multiple bracelets, earrings, a large nose ring, as well as a gold and gemstone necklace further embellishes her striking appearance. The man is depicted bust length, his distinguished visage marked with a full moustache and beard, looking toward his left. He wears a bright green turban with a red cap atop, a white button-down dress shirt, and a navy blue vest with gold flourishes serving as a border. A beautiful pair of painted portraits that resonate with the Mughal painting tradition of India. Size of portrait of woman: 16.2" L x 11.625" W (41.1 cm x 29.5 cm) Size of frame for portrait of woman: 22.75" L x 16.625" W (57.8 cm x 42.2 cm) - Portrait of man is a tad smaller.
Provenance: private Evergreen, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Denver, Colorado, USA, collection; acquired 1960 to 2000
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#163722
Condition
Portraits are set in matching frames. Portrait of woman: Toning and stains to matte and slight stains to image as shown. Glass before portrait is missing. Lower edge of frame is a bit separated from the frame. Tears to gallery tape on verso but frame still functions. Wired for suspension. Portrait of man: Anti-glare glass is intact and painting has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be very good. Area of separation and crack to lower left corner of frame. Tears to gallery tape on verso but frame functions and is wired for suspension.