FLOYD BETTIGA GALLERY

The paintings shown, Group of 8 Indian Miniatures, were part of Morris Graves own personal collection. He gifted these to the museum in 1991 to be part of its permanent collection. Graves was a known traveler who often collected artworks on these trips. These paintings are believed to be made by the Master of the Court of Mankot, also known as Menju (1680 - 1730). He served as an artist for Raja Mahipat Dev of Mankot, marking him as one of the last great masters of the Maghal-influenced court tradition. His works are identifiable by a flat style with hints of Peruvian influence and multiple vanishing points, adding a unique quality to his work. As a court painter, Meju would record royal life, mythology, and local flora using opaque watercolors. We can see these characteristics depicted throughout the group of paintings.