Shamsher Sen (reigned 1727–81) of Mandi with a youth
Unknown Artist
1760–70
Medium
Gum tempera and ink on paper
Dimensions
image: 16.5 × 13.9 cm · border: 20.3 × 17.6 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski
Accession Number
2012.302
About this artwork
In 1727, Shamsher Sen inherited the kingdom of Mandi in the northwest Himalayas. Although he reigned for more than five decades, he gained a reputation for having a weak character and was known for his unconventional behavior. The artist has rendered him with an intensely staring gaze directed at a young man, possibly his lover, who greets him with an attitude of respect. The king has smeared his forehead with ashes and has the triple lines on his throat that mark him as a devotee of the Hindu g...