Artwork

Padam Singh

Padam Singh, by Pyar Chand, paint, 1847
Padam Singh, by Pyar Chand, paint, 1847

Padam Singh is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Pyar Chand. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1847 painting by Pyar Chand is an opaque watercolour on paper, depicting Raj Singh of Sitamau in equestrian portrait. The work features a mix of natural scenery and human figures, with inscriptions on the red border providing context.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows Raj Singh, then 59 years old, mounted on a white horse, surrounded by attendants and courtiers. The ruler wears a predominantly white costume and turban with gold detailing, and holds a flag with a black circle, signifying his status.

Technique & Style

The artwork combines bold colours, including greens, reds, and whites, against a dark border. The scene is set against a backdrop of distant hills, a townscape, and a multicoloured sky, showcasing the artist's use of varied hues and composition.

Context

The painting is a representation of Raj Singh's status and power, set within a naturalistic landscape featuring a walled city on a hill and a partly cloudy sky.

Artist & collection

Artist

Pyar Chand

Pyar Chand kept himself to himself in 19th-century Delhi, turning paint into quiet company after his wife died young.