North India. Gouache and gold on paper. The woman dressed in fine silks and gold rushes stealthily through the night to meet her lover, forging a path through absolute darkness, braving the cobras slithering by her feet, as well as the loss of her golden ornaments in her haste, the night turbulent with raging storms and lightning.

Provenance: Swiss trade. Acquired from an old private collection.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and soiling. Very minor flaking. Backed firmly by a thick sheet of paper.

Dimensions: Image size 29.5 x 20 cm, Size incl. frame 53.8 x 44 cm

This folio from a Nayika series illustrates the hidden nayika on her way to meet her lover out of love (Kama Abhisarika) as described in the Rasikapriya (7:234): “When she made haste her lover to meet Snakes round her legs entangled were, And many lay trampled under her feet! And seeing her speed the demons stared From all sides; the thick shower of rain, She heeded not, nor the crickets' cry, Nor thunder of clouds: nor yet remained Aware of ornaments falling aside, Clothes rent, or thorns her breasts that hurt: Seeing her the spirits said, 'Where did you Oh! lustful woman learn such love? This manner of keeping your rendezvous?” (Translation by K. P. Bahadur.)

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related painting, dated about 1800, 24.6 x 16.2 cm, in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession number 17.2653.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams New York, 16 March 2015, lot 81
Price: USD 18,750 or approx. EUR 22,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An illustration from a Nayika series, Kangra, circa 1820-30
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and manner of painting. Note the size (26.5 x 20.2 cm).