Before 1973– Edwin Binney III (1925–1986).
1975–1985 Paul Wonner (1920–2008).
1985–2015 Private Collector (Los Angeles, CA).
2015–2016 Oliver Forge and Brendan Lynch, Ltd. (London, UK), sold to the Princeton University Art Museum, 2016.
Bhil Hunting by Night is a late Mughal painting made in the court of Awadh (present-day Lucknow) by Faizullah, c. 1760. Through the use of opaque pigments, the unheard and unseen Bhil women continue to hunt deer by moonlight as they work alongside an assortment of other animals. In the darkness, one woman lights her oil lamp with a fire that illuminates the animals while another readies her bow to shoot a blackbuck. The startled deer run over the rocks. There is a river, buildings, and a moon-lit sky nearby. It is a cool night. An inscription in Persian indicates that the scene is of Bhil huntresses moving through the Deccan and hunting by night. Faizullah also signed the painting discreetly, an unusual occurrence in Indian miniature painting.
The painting shows the peculiar Awadhi style that evolved from the 18th century onwards, with the decline of the Mughals. As artists departed from the imperial court of Delhi, many found patrons at the prosperous court of Awadh. Awadhi painting took over from the Mughal tradition and retained its style of drawing, brushwork and naturalistic figures. It introduced greater lyrical elegance, atmospheric landscapes and richer moods. The Bhil Hunting at Night depicts these features with a moonlit sky as a backdrop and a delicate harmony of light.
The painting is inspired by the Bhil community, one of the largest indigenous communities of India. They were known for their skill in hunting and knowledge of the forest. In place of regal representations, Faizullah focuses on the synergistic act of tribal hunters, highlighting the increasing artistic fascination with everyday life and local cultures. The work thus occupies the confluence of Mughal artistic traditions, Awadh court patronage and the cultural diversity of 18th century India.
Bhil Hunting by Night is a captivating painting that combines natural beauty with quiet drama. The moonlit landscape, subtle lighting and carefully arranged figures create a mysterious atmosphere while capturing the skill and determination of the Bhil huntresses. The interaction between the hunters, animals and surrounding landscape reflects a strong connection with nature.
I understand this artwork as more than a hunting scene. It celebrates the traditions, knowledge and resilience of the Bhil community while highlighting the artistic elegance of the Awadh style. The delicate harmony of light and shadow, together with the detailed natural setting, gives the painting both emotional depth and visual richness. Overall, the artwork is historically significant and artistically refined, offering a thoughtful glimpse into eighteenth century Indian life and culture.
