AstaGuru, India’s Premium Auction House auctioned an extraordinary masterpiece by 18th-century British artist Thomas Daniell at its recently concluded “Historic Masterpieces” sale held from 14th – 16th December 2024. This exquisite 1792 miniature painting believed to be the earliest visual depiction of cricket in India—a moment of historical and cultural significance captured with meticulous detail and artistry was acquired by Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA).

Thomas Daniell (1749–1840) is regarded as one of the most important chroniclers of India’s late 18th and early 19th-century history. This painting, in particular, depicts a cricket match, a sport that has grown to become the most popular in India and a keystone of modern-day entertainment.

Set on a sprawling field in Madras (now Chennai), Thomas Daniell’s composition captures a serene yet dynamic moment. A bowler delivers the ball while a batsman prepares for his shot, surrounded by fielders in anticipation. White tents, likely serving as the pavilion, sit prominently in the background, and a grazing cow on the far left adds to the painting’s charm. Daniell’s work is both a celebration of the sport and a romanticized portrayal of colonial India’s landscapes.

The sale of Thomas Daniell’s Cricket Match in India generated significant anticipation globally, drawing interest from collectors, art historians, and institutions alike.

Mrs. Kiran Nadar, Founder and Chairperson, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) a renowned art patron and ardent cricket enthusiast, acquired this masterpiece on behalf of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) so generations of cricket lovers in India can appreciate and celebrate this historical artwork.