DrawingsIndian18th century

Rao Ram Singh I of Kota, as a Prince, Slays a Rhinoceros from an Elephant

c. 1690-1700

Description

This prepratory drawing, for a wall painting for the Chhatra Mahal in Kotah, features Rao Ram Singh I of Kota (r. 1667-88) as a young prince hunting a rhinocerous while on an elephant. Rao Ram Singh I was known as a skilled warrior and hunstman; his mastery over the elephant is demonstrated here by his lack of an ankus, or elephant goad, a tool that is used to control and manipulate the animal's movements. With both his hands free, he is shown firing arrows at the rhinoceros. The elephant, an active participant in this hunt, has its eyes fixed on the target as it wraps its trunk around the rhinoceros's neck. he artist’s masterful evocation of speed—from the windswept elephant trappings to the wildly ringing bells—along with the sheer mass of the beasts thundering across our vision contribute to the drawing’s sense of unstoppable power.

Classification

Drawings

Medium

Black ink over charcoal underdrawing on off-white laid paper

Culture

Indian

Century

18th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

30 x 46.3 cm (11 13/16 x 18 1/4 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.