Artwork
A Mandi royal family member receives a noble
A Mandi royal family member receives a noble is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2018.99
- Credit line
- Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
About this work
Overview
This Pahari painting depicts an encounter between two nobles, likely within the royal family of Mandi, a small hill kingdom in northern India.
Subject & Meaning
The scene conveys a gesture of respect and benediction: one noble, possibly a subordinate, folds his hands in supplication, while the other, identifiable as a raja by his royal plume-adorned turban, raises a hand in blessing.
Technique & Style
Characterized by soft colors and delicate lines, the painting exemplifies the Pahari style, which blended local artistic traditions with Mughal influences to narrate stories through subtle visual cues.
History & Provenance
Originating from the royal workshops of the Pahari kingdoms, this painting was created for the Mandi royal court, reflecting the patronage of local rulers who valued blended artistic styles.
Context
Produced in one of northern India's small hill states, the work is part of a broader Pahari artistic movement that flourished under the patronage of royal courts, adapting external influences to local narrative techniques.
Artist & collection
