PaintingsIndian19th century

Raja Ram Singh of Jammu

19th century

Description

A young Raja Ram Singh (b. 1861-1899) is depicted at the center of the image. He wears a red and gold turban with a large plume and an elaborate turban ornament (sarpech) that is studded with emeralds, rubies, and pearls. Three large emeralds with pearls hang from the end of the ornament onto the top of his forehead. The prince wears large gold hoop earrings with two pearls flanking a large emerald. Around his neck he wears a collar of multiple strands of pearls with teardrop emeralds hanging from it, as well as two longer pearl necklaces with emerald and pearl-studded pendants. Raja Ram Sing wears a dark red robe with gold trim. He carries a sword (talwar) inside a green scabbard in the crook of his left arm. His gray eyes intensely gaze downward. Behind the young prince is another young male figure. He wears a red turban, two earrings, which includes same large hoop that Raja Ram Singh is wearing, and a pendant studded with an emerald. He also wears a red robe (jama). Based on his jewelry and clothing, he is of noble or royal status. Both figures stand on a terrace. Raja Ram Singh was the second son of Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. He later became the commander-in-chief of the state forces.

Classification

Paintings

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Culture

Indian

Century

19th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

33 x 27.6 cm (13 x 10 7/8 in.)

Provenance

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1983 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of long-term loan to Museum in 1983.