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Company painting in the Punjab Company painting in the Punjab developed far later than in other parts of India as the British did not take over its administration until 1849, after the Sikh wars. It is therefore unusual to see watercolours that can be dated as early as this. This watercolour and the following lot are some of the first attempts by Sikh artists to record their leaders in the company style rather than as traditional miniatures. One of the first English artists to visit the Punjab was Emily Eden (1797-1869). Her printed portraits of the Sikh leaders (see lot 34), that were in wide circulation after their publication in 1844, may well have had an influence upon the Sikh artists of the 1840s and 1850s. What is particularly interesting about the following two watercolours is the artist's depiction of the pale, pockmarked or freckled complection of the faces, something also recorded by Emily Eden.

Sikh Artist, circa 1840/50

Maharaja Ranjit Singh in a basket chair, with Munshi Bishan Singh, Raja Dhian Singh and Munshi Ratan Singh

细节

Sikh Artist, circa 1840/50
Maharaja Ranjit Singh in a basket chair, with Munshi Bishan Singh, Raja Dhian Singh and Munshi Ratan Singh
with identifying inscriptions in Urdu and English
pencil and watercolour, heightened with white and gold
7 7/8 x 10 in. (20 x 25.4 cm.)

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拍品专文

This unusual depiction of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) may show him preparing to be painted, as one of the figures shown with him, Munshi Bishan Singh of Amritsar, is recorded as an early Sikh watercolourist. Contemporary descriptions of Ranjit's dress suggest that his attire was 'scrupulously simple', and thus the jewels and ornaments may be an indication that he is dressed for a portrait.
Another character shown with him, Raja Dhian Singh (1796-1843), was one of three Dogra brothers (the others being Gulab and Suchet) to serve Ranjit. Dhian, who began as a porter, rose to the position of Chief Minister by 1828. During his promotion under Ranjit's patronage Dhian amassed great wealth, land along the Kashmir border, and eventually an army of 25,000 men.