Who painted Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur?

Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur was painted by Unknown in 1660.

Where can I see Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur?

Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur?

Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur

Unknown , 1660

Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur is a paint painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1660, this opaque watercolor on paper presents a portrait of Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur. The figure stands outdoors against a pale blue‑green backdrop that hints at distant grass and low hills. He is depicted in vibrant, flowing attire, holding a curved sword in one hand and a small, unidentified object in the other.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures the Jodhpur ruler in regal posture, emphasizing his authority through a confident stance and elaborate dress. The tall turban, striped skirt, and red footwear signal status, while the sword underscores martial power. The small object he grasps may allude to a personal attribute or ceremonial item, reinforcing his identity as a sovereign figure.

Technique & Style

Executed in opaque watercolor, the work employs bright pigments and strong contrasts of light, characteristic of a bold visual language emerging in the mid‑seventeenth century. The painter renders fabrics with fluid brushwork, allowing colors to flow and overlap, while the background remains softly modeled, creating a clear separation between figure and setting.

History & Provenance

The painting originates from the mid‑Baroque period in India, a time when court artists increasingly adopted European materials such as watercolor. Though specific ownership records are limited, the work has been associated with collections documenting the visual culture of Jodhpur’s royal household and serves as a rare example of early Indian portraiture in this medium.