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Maharaja Gaj Singh of Bikaner (r. 1745-1787)

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Image of Maharaja Gaj Singh of Bikaner (r. 1745-1787)

Bookmark: https://collection.sdmart.org/objects-1/info/5238

Maharaja Gaj Singh of Bikaner (r. 1745-1787)

Sukhram, son of Sri Kisani of Jaipur, Indian, b. 18th century

Creation date: 1789
Creation place: India

Other Information

Type: Watercolor Painting
Medium and Support: Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Credit Line: Edwin Binney 3rd Collection
Accession Number: 1990.869
State/Province: Rajasthan
Dimensions: 6 5/16 in. x 3 3/8 in. (16 cm x 8.6 cm)

Provenance

W. B. Manley, London, England ( - July 14, 1971)

Sotheby's, London, England (July 14, 1971 - July 14, 1971)

S. Dakin, London, England (July 14, 1971 - )

Sotheby's, London, England (April 11, 1972 - April 11, 1972)

Edwin Binney 3rd, San Diego, California (April 11, 1972 - August 27, 1990)

San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego, California (August 27, 1990 - )

Label Copy

Temple, Palace, Mosque: 2010

Sukhram painted this posthumous portrait of Gaj Singh, who died in 1787, as a gift for the new Maharaja of Bikaner, Surat Singh (who reigned 1788–1828). The inscription on the back reveals that it was made on the occasion of the springtime festival of Holi, during which revelers boisterously toss brightly colored powders at one another. Perhaps the unusual, exuberantly colored sky parallels the mood of this unique festival.

The inscription on the back states that the artist Sukhram was from the nearby Rajput kingdom of Jaipur, and his name indicates that he is Hindu, rather than Muslim. Evidence from other paintings suggests that the Hindu artists at the Bikaner court were all from Jaipur. The jewels worn by Gaj Singh are especially sumptuous and Jaipuri in style.
Last Updated: 9/5/2017

Exhibition

This object was included in the following exhibitions:

Temple, Palace, Mosque: Southern Asian & Persian Art , 1/2/2010 - 2/1/2011

Bibliography

This object has the following bibliographic references:

Catalogue of Oriental Manuscripts and Miniatures and Printed Books, Sotheby & Co.. London, England, July 14, 1971
Page Number: 30 Lot no. 153

Catalogue of Oriental Manuscripts and Miniatures, Sotheby & Co.. London, England, April 11, 1972
Page Number: 13, Lot no. 54

Related Siblings(s) Click a record to view
Image of Raja Gaj Singh of Bikaner
Raja Gaj Singh of Bikaner
1990.808

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