The Sons of Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu

Currently not on view

The Sons of Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu

c. 1835-1840

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

According to the information on its border, which is a later addition, this portrait shows the sons of Raja Gulab Singh (reigned 1820-1857), the Sikh ruler of Jammu and Kashmir. If the text is accurate, the painting probably depicts the ruler's two older sons, Udham and Sohan. Their high status is communicated in clear, decisive terms. Positioned at the center of a floral-patterned textile, they occupy a prominent space in the composition. The attendants stand on the red borders of the rug, suggestive of their comparatively lower station. Even nature is put to ideological uses. A large tree rises in between the two princes, separating the elder, more privileged brother from the younger.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Sons of Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu

Date:

c. 1835-1840

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 7 3/4 × 10 1/4 inches (19.7 × 26 cm) Sheet: 9 15/16 × 12 1/4 inches (25.2 × 31.1 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Bequest of William P. Wood, 1996

Accession Number:

1996-120-6

Geography:

Made in Guler, Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia or made in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia

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Currently not on view