Arkivism
Maharao Chattar Sal (reigned 1758–64) of Kota in a Palanquin
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Maharao Chattar Sal (reigned 1758–64) of Kota in a Palanquin

c. 1760 · Gum tempera and gold on paper

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

The king sits in his litter with a sun and moon disk behind his head, emphasizing the light of divine sanction for his rule. His power and grandeur seem to inspire his attendants to stride with effortless enthusiasm. Symbols of royalty abound in his retinue: cavaliers on horseback, spear bearers, soldiers with swords and daggers, attendants with peacock-feather fans, and archers carrying bows draped in red and quivers full of arrows. The small kingdom of Kota achieved independence in 1624, and its rulers, called rao (king) or maharao (great king) in the local dialect of Rajasthani, supported an atelier of artists at their court. Kota artists were known for dynamic and idealized portrayals of their rulers engaged in activities that emphasized the king’s supreme status.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineMaharao Chattar Sal (reigned 1758–64) of Kota in a Palanquin, c. 1760. Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Kota. Gum tempera and gold on paper; overall: 28.3 x 39.2 cm (11 1/8 x 15 7/16 in.); with borders: 31.6 x 42.7 cm (12 7/16 x 16 13/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin, 1989.344
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