Clearance Indian Skies: The Howard Hodgkin Collection of Indian Court Painting Met Publications

By John Guy and Navina Najat HaidarCourt painting, both devotional and secular, has a long history in India and has inspired artists from diverse global traditions. This Bulletin features more than 50 stunning examples of Indian court painting by Mughal, Deccani, Rajasthani, and Pahari artists, all from the former collection of British painter Howard Hodgkin (1932–2017). The works featured include stunning portraits, beautifully detailed text illustrations, studies of the natural world, and devotional subjects. Authors explore Hodgkin’s interest in these works and the relationship between his collecting and artistic practice while also providing detailed discussions of individual styles of the Indian courts and the vibrant exchange across their kingdoms from the 16th to the 19th century.