‘Beechey’ portrait of an Indian sitter, the mysterious Moonshee, is ready for research

A mixture of leading artist, intriguing subject, ‘prominent’ background and perhaps a bit of speculation helped propel a portrait of an Indian figure to 36 times the top estimate.

The 12½ x 10¼in (32 x 26cm) oil on board emerged on January 29 at a winter auction in Hampshire.

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