Portrait of Maharao Umed Singh II of Kotah (r. 1889–1940)

ca. 1900

Not on view

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

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

References

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

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