Artwork
Shah Shuja-ool-Mulk
Shah Shuja-ool-Mulk is a watercolor work on paper by the Patna School of Painting artist Godfrey Thomas Vigne. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The watercolour portrays Shah Shuja‑ool‑Mulk, a member of the Sirdozye family, during his exile in Ludhiana, Punjab.
About this work
The artist wrote the name *Shah Shuja-ool-Mulk* and noted it was drawn from memory in 1835.
This sketch shows a man with a long white beard and a turban. He’s wearing a loose, light-colored robe and holds a rolled paper in one hand. The drawing is simple, with quick strokes and soft shading—no fancy details.
The artist wrote the name *Shah Shuja-ool-Mulk* and noted it was drawn from memory in 1835. The style looks loose and expressive, not overly polished.
Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.
Overview
The watercolour portrays Shah Shuja‑ool‑Mulk, a member of the Sirdozye family, during his exile in Ludhiana, Punjab. Rendered in a modest, sketch‑like manner, the figure wears a light‑coloured robe, a turban, and a long white beard, holding a rolled document. The composition is simple, relying on swift brushwork and gentle shading rather than elaborate detail.
Subject & Meaning
Shah Shuja‑ool‑Mulk had been displaced from his former position and was under the protection of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at the time the image was made. The portrait captures his status as an exiled dignitary, emphasizing his dignified bearing despite his precarious political circumstances.
Technique & Style
Created by Godfrey Thomas Vigne in 1835, the work employs loose, expressive strokes characteristic of a memory sketch. The watercolour medium allows for soft tonal transitions, while the minimalistic approach suggests a rapid execution rather than a finished studio piece, highlighting the artist’s focus on capturing the sitter’s likeness quickly.
History & Provenance
Vigne noted the subject’s name and the date of execution on the paper, indicating it was drawn from recollection. The watercolour entered the India Office Library and Records collection, alongside related sketches, and was later purchased from Vigne’s great‑nephew in 1971, securing its place in a public archive.
Artist & collection
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