c. 1720

Thakur Pratap Singh of Ghanerao with His Sons and Nobles

While the usual painting process was to complete the background first and the main figures last, each regional workshop followed its own procedures. This work reveals the hand of a master Rajput painter in all stages of the painting process. The central figure is Thakur Pratap Singh (reigned 1714-20), ruler of the small substate of Ghanerao. He is fully colored over white priming, from his diaphanous overgarment to his gold jewelry and turban tassel. His long turban indicates that he is of the Rathor clan that ruled the Marwar region, based around Jodhpur, Rajasthan. His two young sons, seated directly in front of him, and the important nobles surrounding him are more fully finished. This is especially true of their faces, since capturing their likenesses would have been a crucial part of the painter's mandate. Such is clearly not the case for the roughly sketched musicians in the far right corner and the other attendants.