Maharana Jawan Singh of Mewar (r. 1828–38) Holding a Falcon
1835
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1835
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Maharana Jawan Singh of Mewar (r. 1828–38) Holding a Falcon is a 1835 unspecified by Ghasi, a Patna School of Painting work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
A ruler in a gold-trimmed robe holds a falcon on his gloved hand. The bird wears a tiny gold cap and necklace, almost like a prince. Bright poppies and thick green leaves frame them against a flat blue sky. This painting was made to show power—not just the king’s, but the falcon’s too. The artist dressed the bird in royal accessories, as if it were part of the court. The flat, decorative style keeps the focus on the figures, not depth or shadow. To see more paintings like this, look up the subject rajput kingdom of mewar.
A profoundly bejeweled Jawan Singh, ruler of the largest Rajput kingdom, looks his hunting falcon straight in the eye. The bird also appears regal, with a gold plumed cap on the his head and a gold necklace around its neck. The multicolored poppies at his feet and the thick foliage of the trees seem to have parted in deference to his majesty, so his form can be better offset by the flat blue sky.
Actual pearls have been sewn onto the page at his belt and earrings.
Read the full account in the museum source.
