Artwork Page for Maharaja of Rewa and Sardars

Details / Information for Maharaja of Rewa and Sardars

Maharaja of Rewa and Sardars

1886

Raja Deen Dayal

(Indian, 1844–1905)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
India
Medium
albumen print
Measurements
Image: 19.7 x 26.9 cm (7 3/4 x 10 9/16 in.); Paper: 19.7 x 26.9 cm (7 3/4 x 10 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2016.266.20
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Deen Dayal uses the arrangement of people and the architecture to point to the most important person in the photograph. Here, the Maharaja of Rewa is placed front and center. “Sardars,” inscribed on the top picture’s mount, refers to the military officials surrounding him. After 1858, British influence dictated that Indian rulers be educated in European history and ideas as well as their local culture and history. In the bottom image, the young maharaja is shown with Indian teachers, but the instructional tools are Western: bound books and a raised relief globe (with Asia visible).
A horizontally oriented albumen print in muted brown tones depicts twenty-two figures before four stone columns. Twelve men stand in the background, while nine men and one child sit in the foreground. They wear patterned tunics, turbans, and forehead markings. Some figures hold curved swords and circular shields, while others on our right hold long spears. The central child sits on patterned cushions. Even lighting illuminates the group, who look toward us.

Maharaja of Rewa and Sardars

1886

Raja Deen Dayal

(Indian, 1844–1905)
India

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork