Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1675 · Opaque watercolor with gold and silver on paper · Asian Art

In this Mughal-style rendering of a royal elephant portrait, we see the ruler of Bundi, Bhao Singh (r. 1658–81), assuming the role of a mahout (keeper) commanding his prize elephant with a large goad (ankus). He sits astride the animal’s shoulders, his legs secured under the ears. The elephant’s rich caparisoning—including a rug, chains and bells, and tusks banded in gold—indicate his high rank in the royal stables. Two keepers bearing a restraining spear and charkha (a Catherine-wheel type of firecracker stick) walk ahead. The elephant’s eye is heightened in red and gold leaf, and his temporal gland is highlighted with a crescent mark. The deep green ground is sprinkled with flowers. Such formal paintings served as important records of the most valued members of the royal stables.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1675

Medium

Opaque watercolor with gold and silver on paper

Culture

India, Bundi, Rajasthan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Howard Hodgkin Collection, Purchase, Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, by exchange, 2022