Late Mughal / Lucknow Miniature: Krishna and Radha Beside a Stream with Attendants, on Reused Devanagari Manuscript (Astrological or Account Leaf), c. 1860-1890 Anonymous

This late Mughal miniature depicts a romantic scene of Krishna and Radha seated beside a flowing stream under a tree, attended by three female companions. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, a white domed temple, and a moonlit sky rendered in dark grays and soft blue tones. The figures are finely modeled with careful gold detailing in jewelry and costume. Executed on a reused Devanagari manuscript leaf, the verso retains a series of handwritten notations-columns of numerals, planetary names (Shani, Guru), and fragmentary phrases consistent with astrological or accounting tables. This combination of sacred iconography and practical textual material typifies the Lucknow workshop practice of the nineteenth century, where artists recycled discarded manuscript sheets for their paintings. The hybrid nature of this folio-Hindu devotional imagery painted on reused vernacular text- illustrates the multicultural synthesis of late Mughal India. Its delicate brushwork and measured palette suggest a date between 1860 and 1890 CE. TRANSLATION (SELECTED WORDS FROM REVERSE) 1. "शिन" (Shani) - Saturn 2. "गुरु" (Guru) - Jupiter 3. Numeric series: ११६५, १२३६, १३५१ - likely astronomical or account tallies 4. Additional Devanagari numerals arranged vertically in accounting form 5. Scattered calculations and crossed annotations indicate reuse of practical manuscript paper. ART HISTORICAL CONTEXT During the late nineteenth century, the Lucknow and Jaipur ateliers produced hybrid artworks that merged Mughal naturalism with devotional Hindu subject matter. The practice of painting over reused manuscripts-whether poetic, commercial, or astrological-reflects both resourcefulness and reverence for the written page. These paintings were often sold to local elites and European visitors seeking glimpses of Mughal romantic or religious iconography. This folio's dark tonal register and intricate detailing of jewelry and textiles exemplify the Lucknow revival period's sophisticated yet intimate aesthetic. PROVENANCE Private Collection, acquired India c. 2000 Part of a documented group of Indo-Persian and Indo-Hindu miniature leaves on reused manuscript paper (Lucknow, 19th century). VALUE ASSESSMENT Although the reverse inscriptions are utilitarian rather than literary, their clear Devanagari script and numerical structure enhance the artifact's documentary value. Comparable hybrid devotional miniatures on reused leaves have realized $1,200-$2,800 at Bonhams and Swann Galleries (2021-2024). KEYWORDS Mughal miniature, Lucknow school, Krishna Radha, Indo-Persian art, Devanagari manuscript, Hindu devotional painting, 19th century, reused paper, astrological text, Indian miniature, gold detailing, Jaipur-Lucknow style