Artwork
Maharaja Sher Singh
Maharaja Sher Singh is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This miniature portrait, executed on ivory, presents Maharaja Sher Singh, the mid‑19th‑century ruler of Punjab. Rendered in a three‑quarter pose, the figure faces right, his head and shoulders turned toward the viewer. The composition is set against a pale blue background, allowing the vivid attire to dominate the visual field.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown with a dark beard and mustache, crowned by a red turban studded with jewels. He wears a green and gold robe, over which a red shawl is draped, and his neck and ears are adorned with a necklace and earrings, emphasizing his royal status. His gaze is directed to the right, and his right hand rests on his chest, a gesture often associated with authority and solemnity.
Technique & Style
Paint applied to the ivory surface displays fine detailing characteristic of miniature painting, with careful modeling of facial features and textile patterns. While the surface is smooth, the rendering suggests a layered application of pigment that creates subtle texture, though the work does not employ the thick, raised strokes typical of impasto.
History & Provenance
The portrait is dated to circa 1850, a period when miniature portraiture remained a favored medium for courtly representation in the Indian subcontinent. The artist’s identity is unknown, reflecting the common practice of anonymous workshop production for royal commissions. The piece has been preserved in a museum collection, providing a visual record of Maharaja Sher Singh’s regal image.
Artist & collection
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