Classical Indian paintℱings f💦rom a Distinguished New York Private Collection
Auction Closed
March 20, 05:22 PM GMT
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Classical In🍸dian paintings from a Dꦓistinguished New York Private Collection
Opaque water-based pigments with gold on paper
13⅜ by 10 in., 34 by 25.5 cm
The radiantly nimbate (haloed) Maharana Bhim Singh of Udaipur seated on a blꦏue armored and caparisoned stallion wearing an elephant-form face mask, riding in a stately martial procession. He holds his long sword upright and is wearing full ceremonial armor. Just above his head is the slender white crescent moon with dot symbol of the Sisodia ruling family - signifying the Sisodia's ancient devotion to the god Shiva in the form of the multi-headed icon Eklingji.
Ceremonially walking alongside the Rana are retainers and attendants who hold up a black circular sun-shade standard and a parasol as symbols of the ruler's authority. Other courtiers with spears and swords over their shoulders mar🍸ch in front. They slowly proceed across a blossoming green landscape with mossy color green hills rising𓆏 to the top of the composition in the distance.
This is a military procession, perhaps going to a darbar of Rajput chiefs which Bhim Singh, the highest ranking inﷺ the hierarchy of Rajasthani nobility with the title of Maharana - would likely be presiding over. His horse wears an elephant head face mask that has been seen in other Mewar depictions of horses at least since the days of Maharana Ari Singh II (r.1761-1773). There is a similar set of horse armor in Udaipur Palace Museum which by repute had been worn earlier by the Maharana Pratap Singh's (1540-1597) favorite horse Chetak. Another painting showing similar elephant-head horse armor, from the period of Maharana Jawan Singh, is in the British Museum (accession number: 1941,0619,0.9). Our painting is executed in the style of the highly influential artist Choka who worked for both Maharana Bhim Singh and Rawat Gokul Das of Devgarh.
You May Also Like