Artwork

The Elephant of Maharana Jai Singh of Mewar (r. 1680–98) Catches a Horse by the Tail

The Elephant of Maharana Jai Singh of Mewar (r. 1680–98) Catches a Horse by the Tail is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1680 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting depicts a chaotic scene involving a royal elephant, a horse, and their handlers.

About this work

Overview

This painting depicts a chaotic scene involving a royal elephant, a horse, and their handlers. The artwork originates from the Rajput kingdom of Mewar.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows a royal elephant grasping a galloping horse's tail with its trunk, while the horse's rider attempts to whip the elephant. The elephant's driver is helpless, and royal servants rush to regain control.

Technique & Style

The artist captures the moment in a dynamic, snapshot-like composition. Bright colors and flat shapes are used, giving the scene a graphic quality.

Context

The painting is associated with Maharana Jai Singh of Mewar, who ruled from 1680 to 1698 and maintained trained war elephants, a common practice among Mewar's rulers.