Rao Bhao Singh Riding an Elephant

ca. 1675

Not on view

In this Mughal-style rendering of a royal elephant portrait, we see the ruler of Bundi, Bhao Singh (r. 1658–81), assuming the role of a mahout (keeper) commanding his prize elephant with a large goad (ankus). He sits astride the animal’s shoulders, his legs secured under the ears. The elephant’s rich caparisoning—including a rug, chains and bells, and tusks banded in gold—indicate his high rank in the royal stables. Two keepers bearing a restraining spear and charkha (a Catherine-wheel type of firecracker stick) walk ahead. The elephant’s eye is heightened in red and gold leaf, and his temporal gland is highlighted with a crescent mark. The deep green ground is sprinkled with flowers. Such formal paintings served as important records of the most valued members of the royal stables.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Rao Bhao Singh Riding an Elephant
Date: ca. 1675
Culture: India, Rajasthan, Bundi
Medium: Opaque watercolor, gold and silver on paper
Dimensions: Image: 11 5/8 × 15 3/4 in. (29.5 × 40 cm)
Framed: 21 1/2 × 17 5/8 × 3/4 in. (54.6 × 44.8 × 1.9 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Howard Hodgkin Collection, Purchase, Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, by exchange, 2022
Object Number: 2022.211
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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