Artwork
The deceased prince lying in state
The deceased prince lying in state is a paint painting by the Art Nouveau artist Elfrida Tharle-Hughes. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1923 painting depicts a Balinese prince lying in state on a raised bed, surrounded by ritual offerings.
About this work
The prince’s brother ruled there, and Balinese cremations use water and flowers before burning the corpse.
This painting shows a dead prince on a raised bed with striped cloth above it. Women in white line up on both sides. They carry holy water and small gifts for the body.
The artist painted it in 1923 after seeing a royal funeral in Bali. The prince’s brother ruled there, and Balinese cremations use water and flowers before burning the corpse.
Look up Tharle-Hughes, Elfrida if you want to see more of her work.
Overview
This 1923 painting depicts a Balinese prince lying in state on a raised bed, surrounded by ritual offerings.
Subject & Meaning
The scene represents a pre-cremation rite for a prince whose brother was the ruler of Bangli State, Bali. Women bring holy water and sacred ornaments to the catafalque, preparing the body for the royal cremation ceremony.
Technique & Style
The artist rendered the catafalque with dragon-like features, and used striped cloth for the awning and curtains, creating a sense of ritual solemnity.
History & Provenance
The painting was created by Elfrida Tharle-Hughes after witnessing a royal funeral in Bali, capturing a moment from the traditional Balinese cremation ritual.
Artist & collection
Artist
