Maharana Jawan Singh Receives Captain Cobbe and His Companions
Artist: Mewar School, attributed to Ghasi (Indian, active about 1820 -1838)
Date: 1830
Dimensions:
17 3/4 x 23 5/8 in. (45.1 x 60 cm)
Medium: opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 2006.4
Label Text:A lavish royal reception (durbar) in the courtyard of Udaipur Palace plays out with entertaining ceremony in this painting attributed to Udaipur court artist Ghasi. The Maharana of Udaipur, Jawan Singh (ruled 1828–38), is enthroned at the center, his haloed figure larger than all the others. The festivities honor British Captain Cobbe and his two companions, who are shown three different times: arriving, kneeling while receiving gifts, and seated with Jawan Singh. Such repetition is typical of Udaipur court paintings and is used to show a progression of activity, much like a cartoon strip. Cobbe was the British representative for the region of Mewar in northwestern India from April 1823 until January 1831.
Jawan Singh’s well-known love of extravagance is on full display in this painting: the courtyard is filled with hundreds of attendants and court officials, Jawan Singh's wives and concubines, horses in festive parade dress, elephants, camels, even a wrestling match. The artist has captured all of the activity, the colorful costumes, and the architecture of the palace in minute detail.
Jawan Singh’s well-known love of extravagance is on full display in this painting: the courtyard is filled with hundreds of attendants and court officials, Jawan Singh's wives and concubines, horses in festive parade dress, elephants, camels, even a wrestling match. The artist has captured all of the activity, the colorful costumes, and the architecture of the palace in minute detail.
Not on view
In Collection(s)