DrawingsIndian18th century

A Seated, Elderly, Rajput Courtier (.1); Sketches of Rulers, a Prince, and a Nobleman (.2)

18th century

Description

.1: Seated with his legs folded under him is an elderly Rajput courtier. He wears a white turban and a long robe (jama), the scalloped bottom edge of which encircles the bottom of the figure. From his waist sash (patka) hang a sword (talwar) and a quiver filled with arrows. Resting on the ground and his lap is a bow. In front of him is a round shield (dhal) propped up on its straps. The courtier has his arms bent out before him, as if in conversation. He has a slender frame and white facial hair. Rajput style. .2: The page is filled with sketches of various figures. The ones on the left and right are of a ruler, possibly the same one. Their status is distinguished by elaborate turbans and earrings. Both have a moustache and distinct sideburns. These two figures are similarly posed and wear nearly identical garments consisting of a long robe (jama), with a waist sash (patka). Tucked into the waist sash is a punch dagger (katar), and hanging from it, on the other side, is a sword talwar). In between them is a partial sketch of a nobleman. He wears a simple turban, an earring, and a robe with a waist sash. From his facial features, particularly the wrinkles around his eye, he appears to be older. Facing downward on the page is a mounted Rajput prince with a quiver full of arrows hanging from the saddle. Black and red swirls throughout the page signify the artist testing strokes and adjusting the amount of pigment held in the brushes. Rajput style.

Classification

Drawings

Medium

Ink and opaque white watercolor on paper; Rajput Style

Culture

Indian

Century

18th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

dimensions for .1: 15.4 x 12.2 cm (6 1/16 x 4 13/16 in.) dimensions for .2: 11.8 x 11 cm (4 5/8 x 4 5/16 in.)

Provenance

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1973 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1973.