Portrait of Maharao Umed Singh II of Kotah (r. 1889–1940)
This spectacular royal portrait of the young Maharao Umed Singh II was commissioned to record his investiture as the ruler of the kingdom of Kotah, Rajasthan, on 5 December 1896. It is likely that it was based in part on a photograph of that occasion. The Maharao is richly attired in a maroon robe (jama) with embroidered gold flower repeats, a broad golden belt and a saffron yellow waist-sash with gold thread ends. His lower legs reveal tight fitting mauve trousers, gold anklets and black silk slippers. A sword of office in a green velvet sheath rests on his knee. On closer examination the extraordinary extravagance of this portrait emerges, seen in the raised gilded and inlaid surfaces which demarcate the braided and applique decoration of his jama and jewelry.
Artwork Details
- Title: Portrait of Maharao Umed Singh II of Kotah (r. 1889–1940)
- Date: ca. 1900
- Culture: India, Rajasthan, Kotah
- Medium: Opaque watercolor, gold, silver and pearls on paper mounted on board
- Dimensions: Image: 28 3/4 × 23 3/4 in. (73 × 60.4 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation, The Kipper Family Foundation, and Richard M. Horwood Gifts, 2022
- Object Number: 2022.307
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Stipple Master
Jai Ram
ca. 1712
Tara
1845–46
India (Rajasthan, Bikaner)
ca. 1725
India (Madhya Pradesh, Malwa)
ca. 1630–40
India (Rajasthan, Kishangarh)
ca. 1735
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.