Title: Vāmana Avatar (Trivikrama)

Region: Probably Patna, Bihar, Eastern India

Period/Style: Company School

Date: Mid-19th century

Medium: Watercolor on paper

Dimensions: 9 1/10 x 7 23/32 inches (23.1 x 19.6 cm)

Presented: Loose, unframed, and unmounted

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Description:

A finely executed Indian Company School watercolor, probably produced in the Patna region of Bihar in the mid-19th century, depicting Vāmana, the Trivikrama avatar of Vishnu. The work was likely once part of a dispersed album series illustrating the avatars of Vishnu.

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Works of this type were produced for East India Company and colonial-era patrons during the late 18th and 19th centuries. In centers such as Patna, Indian artists adapted Mughal-derived miniature techniques to meet European demand for documentary, ethnographic, and religious subjects, including Hindu deities, trades, occupations, and mythological series. The isolated figure, open ground, controlled outline, and stylized modeling are consistent with later Company School workshop production.

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Vāmana, the fifth avatar of Vishnu, appears as a dwarf Brahmin who subdues the Asura king Mahabali. After requesting three paces of land, he assumes the cosmic form of Trivikrama, spanning the earth, heavens, and netherworld. He is commonly shown holding a parasol and water vessel and dressed in simple ascetic garments.

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Condition:

Overall well preserved. Minor age-related wear, toning, and handling consistent with age. Verso with expected toning and visible pigment show-through. No major losses or structural damage observed. Sheet is loose, unmounted, unmatted, and unframed.

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Provenance:

Acquired from the trade in the U.S.A. Previous owner reportedly sourced the painting from a book dealer.

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Note:

Attribution and dating are based on stylistic analysis and comparison with related Company School and Patna works. Offered as informed opinion. Sold as is. Please review images carefully. Original period watercolor; not a later print or reproduction.