Page 137 - Eye of the beholder

ScholarShiP of indian MiniaTureS
Indian miniatures represent a a a a a vast field of of of knowledge Centuries of of of evolution confusing overlaps of of of stylistic elements elements interesting socio-religious narratives different different kingdoms and principalities different different elements elements of dress and architecture - for the enthusiast this invites a a a a a lifetime of research Interest in in in in the the the field is steadily growing represented among others by the the the steady increase in in in in auction prices However the the vast majority of collectors still do not have the the basic knowledge to to navigate this subject Especially difficult is mastering the the ability ability to to tell a a a a a a a a a fake from a a a a a a a a a genuine miniature and the the ability ability to to confidently date a a a a a a a a a a specimen and attribute it to a a a a a a a a a a particular particular school This is is particularly relevant for the Ragmala paintings where the imagery can be very confusing There have been many different publications on on the the subject in recent years While all of these are vibrant and rich in in imagery they lack the the formal approach that is necessary for for a a a a a a a a a serious beginner The Rietberg Museum in in in Zurich recently published a a a a two volume publication spanning the entire timeline of Indian miniature paintings which is by far the the most well researched book of its kind However for the the serious beginner the the the gold standard is still the the the two books by Karl Khandalavala and and and Klaus Ebeling Both of these books unfortunately have have long been out of print and have have become collectible in in their own right 131