Maharana Sangram Singh Lot n° 8

Specifications: Watercolor on Paper 13.0" X 19.0" This painting measuring 37 by 54 cms, obviously a large size for a miniature opted perhaps for revealing with greater clarity mental disposition of the portrayed figures besides their physiognomy, represents Maharana Sangram Singh of Mewar. With a small retinue of four attendants the Maharana has been represented riding a horse. Nothing in the painting links the rendition to an official trip, procession, or march, a private journey to a shrine, divine or friend, or even an outing. The painting is hence just a portrait ? formal in nature and equestrian in kind. Besides representing Maharana's likeness the artist has added to it the usual set of formal elements. Four attendants, the foremost carrying hookah, the last one, royal standard, and other two, flywhisks, have been added only to assert his authority and position as the monarch of the land. As in most medieval portraits, the galloping horse and the background with flowering shrubs scattered all over are stylised. Even the distant hills and trees grown over them reveal geometric symmetry. The horse seems to gallop quite speedily; the Maharana is nonetheless enjoying his hookah in full composure. Even the attendant, carrying the hookah along with, is not required to accelerate his pace to match that of the horse. Horse-shoes of gold, Mughalia yak-tail in horse's neck and other ornamental elements apart, Maharana Sangram Singh has been attributed with a greenish-blue nimbus contained in golden frame with prominent rays ? all formal elements. Sangram Singh's likeness is, however, real. He has similar likeness ? face, anatomy, attire? in many of his contemporary portraits. Except its size, this painting itself is based on an exactly identical miniature, rendered during his lifetime and at his court. This early painting is now in the National Museum, New Delhi. Maharana Sangram Singh ruled Mewar from 1710 to1734, perhaps Mewar'