Maharaja Pratap Singh

Brush drawing on paper.

In these twin studies of Maharaja Pratap Singh (r.1778-1803) by his artist Sahib Ram, the royal features are delineated with deliberation and economy of line. The enlarged, leaf-like eye and brow curved like a bow belong to ancient Indian poetic traditions of beauty. Many such drawings were made as cartoons for mural or panel paintings, some depicting scenes of Krishna with Radha and the gopis.

To view a high-resolution version of this image and for further information please visit the Yousef Jameel Online Centre at the Ashmolean.