Lot 355 A PORTRAIT OF GURU NANAK DEV JI HOLDING A FALCON PUNJAB PLAINS, NORTH INDIA, 19TH CENTURY OPAQUE WATERCOLOUR AND GOLD PIGMENTS ON TEXTILE

105 by 72 cm.
Catalogue Note: This evocative portrait depicts Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, seated in a composed posture with a serene expression, holding a falcon perched gracefully on his right hand. The falcon—symbolic of spiritual sovereignty, courage, and nobility—echoes themes later associated with Guru Gobind Singh, but here it serves to emphasize Guru Nanak’s authority and connection to divine wisdom.

The painting is rendered with delicate brushwork, highlighted with gold detailing around the halo and attire. The figure is shown with a radiant nimbus, a distinctive turban, and robes adorned with intricate patterns, set against a blue background and cushioned with pink bolsters. The script above identifies the figure as “Nanak Ji” in Devanagari.

The overall composition reflects a synthesis of devotional reverence and royal portraiture, characteristic of regional Sikh and Pahari miniature traditions. This work exemplifies the enduring veneration of Guru Nanak in visual culture, blending iconography with courtly elegance.