Artwork
Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The portrait presents Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839), the inaugural Sikh ruler of the Punjab, who ascended the throne in 1801 and governed until his death. He is seated beneath a ceremonial parasol, a traditional sign of sovereignty, and wears an ornate turban capped with a jeweled ornament, underscoring his regal status.
Subject & Meaning
The composition emphasizes symbols of authority associated with Sikh royalty: the canopy, the jeweled turban, and other conventional emblems convey the Maharaja’s political power and cultural identity. By foregrounding these attributes, the work functions as a visual affirmation of his legitimacy and prestige.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the British art market shortly after the Maharaja’s death, with English inscriptions indicating that its first known British owner obtained the series between October 1839 and November 1840. It later became part of the collection of Queen Mary, reflecting its continued circulation among European collectors.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
