JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN, INDIA, 1750-60

At the top of this painting, sat against a large bolster, is the ruler of Amber, Maharaja Prithvi Raj Singh (r.1503-28) of the Kachwaha Rajput clan. Kneeling before him are twelve of his descendants. The rulers of Amber were some of the most important political figures during the 16th and 17th centuries and portraits include Maharajas Man Singh (r.1589-1614), Jai Singh (r.1621-67) and Ram Singh (r.1667-88). This style of dynastic portrait, staged on a terrace with trees suggesting a garden beyond, is similar to one of the rulers of the Mughal dynasty from the early 18th century, now in the Khalili Collection (acc.no.MSS 874). It is not impossible that the Khalili portrait was seen by one of the Kachwaha rulers given their close relationship to and allegiance with the Mughal emperors.