Artwork
Raja Chattar Singh smoking
Raja Chattar Singh smoking is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting depicts Raja Chattar Singh engaged in smoking.
About this work
Overview
The artwork presents a seated figure in traditional attire, surrounded by elements that suggest his status and activity.
This painting depicts Raja Chattar Singh engaged in smoking. The artwork presents a seated figure in traditional attire, surrounded by elements that suggest his status and activity. The visual characteristics indicate a work that, while retaining some vibrancy, also shows signs of age and wear. It serves as a portrait capturing a specific moment of leisure, offering insight into the customs of the period.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, identified as Raja Chattar Singh, is shown in a relaxed posture, seated on a green carpet. He holds a curved pipe, indicating his engagement with smoking, a common practice among royalty and nobility in historical South Asia. A hookah and other objects on a small table behind him further elaborate on this theme, portraying a scene of personal indulgence or contemplation within a domestic setting.
Technique & Style
The painting employs a palette of bright colors, though their intensity has diminished over time, contributing to a muted overall appearance. The artist rendered the Raja in a yellow robe adorned with red floral patterns, contrasted by a dark hat. The composition includes a detailed depiction of the figure and his immediate surroundings, with an old script inscription at the top likely identifying the subject or scene. The physical condition suggests an aged artwork.
Artist & collection
