Preparatory Drawing of an Elephant Combat
c. 1740
Description
At the center of the page are two large elephants on their back legs and colliding with each other. Lines of red and black demonstrate the artist working, reworking, and detailing the figures. The traces of opaque white watercolor around the bottom edges of the elephant on the right show the artist masking his changes to the figure. The immense impact of the elephants is signified through the sketched-out elephant drivers (mahouts), who lean back with their arms in the air. Each elephant driver carries an elephant goad (ankus) in his hand, which is used to control and manipulate the animal’s movement. There is an attendant holding onto the back of the elephant on the right. In the bottom left corner is a sketched-out platform with a group of figures. These figures, which are roughly sketched, bear suggestions of wearing turbans and carrying shields. Rajput Style, Kota School.
Dimensions
17 x 15 cm (6 11/16 x 5 7/8 in.)
Provenance
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1969 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1969.
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