Maharao Chattar Sal (reigned 1758–64) of Kota in a Palanquin
Unknown Artist
c. 1760
Medium
Gum tempera and gold on paper
Dimensions
28.3 × 39.2 cm · with borders: 31.6 × 42.7 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin
Accession Number
1989.344
About this artwork
The king sits in his litter with a sun and moon disk behind his head, emphasizing the light of divine sanction for his rule. His power and grandeur seem to inspire his attendants to stride with effortless enthusiasm. Symbols of royalty abound in his retinue: cavaliers on horseback, spear bearers, soldiers with swords and daggers, attendants with peacock-feather fans, and archers carrying bows draped in red and quivers full of arrows. The small kingdom of Kota achieved independence in 1624, and i...