Osian's Auction Catalogue Select Masterpieces of Indian Modern and Contemporary Art | June 2009

73 33 A.H. Muller (1878 – 1952) Tiger Hunting Oil on canvas, 1927 S/d in English ‘A.H.Muller, 1927’ l.r. 23.4 x 34.8 in (59.4 x 88.5 cm) Condition Good. Previously restored INR 800,000 – 1,000,000 USD 16,670 – 20,830 ‘The Maharaja of Bikaner was fond of hunting. On many an occasion, he took Muller with him for sketching – Muller on one elephant, a photographer on the other and others to help the Maharaja in hunting, forming a cavalcade or a hunting party. On return from hunting, Muller used to draw sketches in the studio of different scenes in hunting and also painted pictures from the photographs taken at the time of actual hunting. The Maharaja was extremely pleased with the paintings of Muller.’ – S.B. Shirgaonkar rpt. in Artist A.H. Muller And His Art 1975 ExC. ‘Poverty finally drove Muller to take employment under the Maharaja of Bikaner in 1922. His assignment was to record hunting trips of the ruler. There was no question of the prince not admiring his talents, but the duties proved onerous. Muller soon gave them up.’ – Partha Mitter rpt. in Art and Nationalism in Colonial India 1850-1922: Occidental Orientations ,1994 pp. 92-4.