Observed & Imagined Indian Painting 17th–19th Century
October 12 – November 16, 2026
In-person by appt & Online
We are delighted to present Observed & Imagined Indian Painting 17th–19th Century, a distinguished selection of Indian paintings available to view by appointment beginning October 12. Accompanied by a scholarly publication, the selection includes works on paper, several from a private English collection, researched and written by John Seyller and other scholars. Together, the works explore themes of devotion, kingship, and narrative, offering a rich perspective on the diverse traditions of Indian painting from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Maharaja Raj Singh and His Grandson Bhavani Singh in Procession, one of two paintings depicting the extravagant trappings of Indian royalty is from Sitamau, a fascinating but little-known center of Indian painting in a tiny state in the Mandsaur District in Madhya Pradesh. The names of only three Sitamau artists have been preserved. This painting, dated 1847, is signed by Pyar Chand, the most extraordinary of these three artists. He produced singular paintings that embodied the brilliant colors and abstract compositions that are associated with the best of Rajput painting.
We invite you to make an appointment and discover these exceptional works in our London gallery or online!
To learn more, click here.
ARTICLES
A Brief Introduction to Pahari Painting
Read an extract from J.P. Losty’s text first published in Paintings for the Pahari Rajas, Francesca Galloway, 2020 here.
Sound, Text, and Image: Picturing Music through Ragamalag
Read an essay by Richard David WilliamsMay 27, 2025 here.
18th century Awadh and Bengal: political instability and artistic patronage
Read this context for paintings from the Louisa Parlby Album by J.P LostyFebruary 25, 2021 here.
ONLINE VIDEO
How to Look at Indian Miniatures
As part of our exhibition with Frieze Masters Francesca Galloway discusses how to look at Indian painting and explains the nuances of two historical works in the contrasting Hindu and Mughal styles, both dating from the 16th to 17th centuries. These works, which will both be on display at Frieze Masters this year, reveal not just the aesthetic sophistication of Indian art of the renaissance era, but the reciprocal influence of Eastern and Western art, a key theme that runs throughout the fair.
To watch on YouTube, click here.
About the Gallery
With forty years of experience and expertise, today Francesca Galloway is known as one of the foremost galleries dealing in Indian painting and courtly arts. Combining a personal approach with a global outlook, we regularly exhibit internationally. Collaborating with the leading scholars in this field, our catalogues and publications are reference works in their own right, helping to advance the research and visibility of this fascinating and important subject.