Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1900 · Opaque watercolor, gold, silver and pearls on paper mounted on board · Asian Art

This spectacular royal portrait of the young Maharao Umed Singh II was commissioned to record his investiture as the ruler of the kingdom of Kotah, Rajasthan, on 5 December 1896. It is likely that it was based in part on a photograph of that occasion. The Maharao is richly attired in a maroon robe (jama) with embroidered gold flower repeats, a broad golden belt and a saffron yellow waist-sash with gold thread ends. His lower legs reveal tight fitting mauve trousers, gold anklets and black silk slippers. A sword of office in a green velvet sheath rests on his knee. On closer examination the extraordinary extravagance of this portrait emerges, seen in the raised gilded and inlaid surfaces which demarcate the braided and applique decoration of his jama and jewelry.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1900

Medium

Opaque watercolor, gold, silver and pearls on paper mounted on board

Culture

India, Rajasthan, Kotah

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2022