Maharana Jagat Singh II Amuses Himself in His Pleasure Palace

Currently not on view

Maharana Jagat Singh II Amuses Himself in His Pleasure Palace

c. 1750

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

This large-format painting is one of many detailed works created for the rulers of Mewar (modern Udaipur in Rajasthan) depicting celebrations, pleasures, and incidents in the palace. Here the hefty and haloed Maharana Jagat Singh II (ruled 1734-51) appears three times-shooting buffalo in the foreground, swimming with his women in the water pavilion, and standing in the courtyard surrounded by more of his women.

The pleasure palace, tilted downward to simultaneously display full details of exterior and interior, was one actually built by this ruler. The painting furnishes the minutiae of palace life, including information about the original hydraulic system. The hexagonal pump house with its water-wheels stands in the middle of the lake to supply the pleasure pools and fountains of the island-palace.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Maharana Jagat Singh II Amuses Himself in His Pleasure Palace

Date:

c. 1750

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper

Dimensions:

Sheet: 18 11/16 × 23 3/4 inches (47.5 × 60.3 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Bequest of William P. Wood, 1996

Accession Number:

1996-120-4

Geography:

Made in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Mewar Region, India, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Sisodia Dynasty (1326-1949) Reign: Maharana Jagat Singh II (1734-51)

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Currently not on view