It is the portrait of a Royal personage, probably the Raja of Rajnagar, wearing an orange Jama. He has a longish face with a moustache. The subject is sitting in a formal pose, focusing on some object to one side, as per the direction of the artist. He is wearing jewels which have predominance of emerald, along with diamonds and pearls. The artist has very cleverly managed to express authority in matters of state by the protagonist, from the manner in which the hand is positioned. To a casual eye it seems that the poser is holding the 'Hookah' pipe but an attentive gaze indicates the real intent, of indicating that he has the control over matters of state.
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Royal Portraits
Portraits have always played an important role in the official depiction of a ruler. Having them made in multiple denominations to be put up in various places as an official testimonial has been the norm of all times In the pre-photographic era, getting them made was a rather arduous affair as it called for long hours of tiring sittings, both for the subject as well as the artist. Often such commissions would take months to finish before starting another. Such portraits were at times gifted to family, friends, high officials and the dignitaries as a mark of acceptance, respect and friendship. This demanded laborious effort from the artist as he had to make several such portraits.
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Company School Paintings
INDIAN SCHOOL, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
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