Stiamo lavorando per tradurre questa pagina il prima possibile. Grazie per la comprensione.
Miniature model of an Indian soldier of African descent
This miniature soldiers cast at the close of the 18th century were reputedly for the pleasure and entertainment of a local ruler in southeast India. It represents a soldier of African descent in the employ of the East India Company in India. The pan-Indian nature of armies at this time, largely mercenaries, is witnessed here with this African cavalryman attired in Company uniform and carrying a blunderbuss. The artist who modelled this figurine has clearly chosen to exaggerate the subject’s ethnic features, as if to give emphasis to his identity.
Artwork Details
- Title: Miniature model of an Indian soldier of African descent
- Date: ca. 1795
- Culture: Southern India
- Medium: Cast brass alloy
- Dimensions: H. 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm); W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); D. 1 5/8 in. (4.2 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Richard Greenbaum Fund, 2026
- Object Number: 2026.18
- 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.
9th century
1500–500 BCE
ca. first quarter 10th century
ca. third quarter 10th century
early 9th century
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 contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.