Maharana Jawan Singh of Mewar (r. 1828–38) Holding a Falcon

c. 1835

possibly by Ghasi

(Indian, active c. 1820–36)

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Mewar

gum tempera, pearls, silk, and gold on paper

Page: 31.2 x 23.9 cm (12 5/16 x 9 7/16 in.); Painting: 21.6 x 13.8 cm (8 1/2 x 5 7/16 in.)

Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2018.149

Location: not on view

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Actual pearls have been sewn onto the page at his belt and earrings.

Description

A profoundly bejeweled Jawan Singh, ruler of the largest Rajput kingdom, looks his hunting falcon straight in the eye. The bird also appears regal, with a gold plumed cap on the his head and a gold necklace around its neck. The multicolored poppies at his feet and the thick foliage of the trees seem to have parted in deference to his majesty, so his form can be better offset by the flat blue sky.