19C Indian Miniature Painting of a Torture Scene

Published by Nevan O Shaughnessy on March 1, 2023March 1, 2023

PRESENTING a VERY RARE 19C Indian Miniature Painting of a Torture Scene.

Hand-painted on paper which is mounted on board.

Indian circa 1860-80 and most likely a Folio from an Indian Military Codex.

It features a rather ‘disturbing’ set of scenes!

In the top scene there is a warrior resting on what looks like a pillow or boulder, in a pasture beside a tree. The second scene is of a warrior/prisoner being ‘impaled’ on a spike (with tiered base) by a traditionally dressed and darker skinned soldier, who is using a mallet/hammer to impale his bound prisoner. The last scene is of a (most likely deceased) prisoner being attacked or eaten by a dog.

It is most likely the same warrior/prisoner in all 3 scenes (even though the waist sash is a different color in scene 2), as that would make sense, first he is free and relaxing then he is captured, bound and impaled and finally, his body is thrown to the dogs.

Obviously, this is recording some kind of military victory and the decimation of the invader.

On the rear of the board backing is a stamp for “Krishna Bros., 102 Drummond Road, Agra. Brass, Marble & Curio Merchants”. This stamp is obviously for the original retailer and looks Early 20C.

The painting has gold highlights for the prisoner’s jewelry and sash banding and the executioner’s headdress.

It is framed and under glass in a vintage antique gold and silver frame and has a pale blue cloth matting. It was re-framed in Dallas in the Mid 20C by ‘Downtown Galleries’ who operated in the 1960’s at 1919 Pacific Ave.

Indian paintings have their origin in our ancient past. They depict the life and customs followed by the people of those times. Indian miniature paintings are one of the best examples of handmade forms of visual art in India.

Indian paintings have their origin in our ancient past. They depict the life and customs followed by the people of those times. Literary records show that from very early time painting both scholar and religious were considered an important form of artistic expression. Indian miniature paintings are one of the best examples of handmade forms of visual art in India.

For More: Link: https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/school-of-miniature-painting-in-india-1532081030-1