Artwork

Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions

Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions, unspecified, 1860
Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions, unspecified, 1860

Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The canvas portrays a princely figure dressed in yellow, complete with a matching turban, seated within a white pavilion topped by a red awning. He holds a rifle, aiming at two lions positioned before him amid a verdant landscape that includes trees, flowering plants, and birds, all set against a bright blue sky and a sunlit horizon.

Subject & Meaning

The central narrative captures a dramatic hunting scene: the ruler confronts a white lion that appears to be leaping or falling, alongside a beige counterpart. The composition emphasizes tension between human authority and wild animal, underscored by the ruler’s solemn expression and prominent moustache.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a vivid palette, contrasting the yellow attire and red awning with the lush greens of the surroundings. Spatial depth is achieved through layered foliage, a distant rocky hill crowned by a white tower, and atmospheric perspective that guides the eye toward the central action.

Context

Set within an idealized Indian hunting ground, the work reflects the traditional royal pastime of big‑game hunting, a practice that symbolized power and prestige among Indian maharajas. The inclusion of architectural elements such as the pavilion and tower situates the scene within a cultivated estate rather than a wild savanna.

Legacy

The painting serves as a visual record of aristocratic sport in pre‑colonial India, illustrating both the cultural significance of the hunt and the aesthetic conventions of courtly art that combined realistic detail with dramatic storytelling.

Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions
Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions?

Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions?

Maharaja Chattarsol of Kota Shooting Lions is associated with Patna School of Painting.