Seated Courtesan with a Dove

This is a reverse glass painting from southern India. According to a description of the painting published on page 166 of the book ‘Reverse Glass Painting in India’ by Professor Anna L. Dallapiccola:
“…the soft light blue background and the white draped curtain provides an elegant frame for the figure of a lady seated on an imposing armchair covered with green velvet and embellished by elaborate motifs. Among the carved motifs is a parrot - the vehicle of Kama (the god of love) - an indication that the lady is possibly a ‘courtesan’. She is dressed in a striped sari with gold decorations and a black blouse which effectively shows off her necklaces. Her hair is neatly tied at the back of her head with a band into which is tucked a rose. A large dove perches on her knee and it seems to be on the verge of affectionately pecking her cheek.”