A LARGE SEATED PORTRAIT OF SHRIMANT JAYAJIRAO SCINDIA, MAHARAJA OF GWALIOR (R. 1843-1886)
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Central India, circa 1880 - 1920

Opaque pigments heightened with gold on paper, the vertical composition portraying the Maharaja of Gwalior, Jayajirao Scindia, seated on an embroidered floor spread resting against a matching bolster, wearing a diaphanous white muslin shirt over light brown pajama trousers, his sturdy upper body crossed by a large three-strands pearl necklace and gold belt in which his kard dagger is tucked in, further pearl strands around his neck and on his turban ornament, and gold jewellery on his arms and wrists, his forehead marked with the Vaishnava tilaka (mark), the scene set in a palatial interior, framed within white rules and black borders, 51cm x 40cm.

Jayajirao was a great supporter of the British Raj and a trustworthy advisor of the Queen of England. In 1861, he was appointed Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India and in 1877, he became Counsellor of the Empress. The size of the painting is indicative not only of his power and wealth but also of the favour he had from the Empress.

Often in Gwalior paintings, the golden jewellery presents residues of resin in the settings, suggesting that each piece was once encrusted perhaps with glass beads, insect wings, stones and gold foil, now missing. This would have made the jewellery look real and enhanced the prestige of the painting. Further to that, each bejewelled element is normally raised, providing a tactile 3D effect which once again increases the realism of the painting and conveys a luxurious final touch to the composition. For comparison with another Gwalior painting and further reference, please see Christie's London, 25 May 2017, lot 12.