Artwork

Posthumous portrait of Raja Chhatar Singh of Chamba smoking a hookah

Posthumous portrait of Raja Chhatar Singh of Chamba smoking a hookah is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2018.109
Credit line: Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund

About this work

Overview

This posthumous portrait depicts Raja Chhatar Singh of Chamba in a serene moment, smoking a hookah while dressed in traditional attire, conveying a sense of calm amidst his complex historical context.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Raja Chhatar Singh (reigned 1664-1690), is shown in a rare moment of tranquility, contrasting with his notable defiance of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and his efforts to expand and prosper Chamba.

Technique & Style

The painting's style and technique are not explicitly detailed here, but the visual focus on the ruler's calm demeanor and traditional dress suggests an emphasis on capturing the subject's character and cultural identity.

History & Provenance

Created posthumously, the painting's exact date and artist remain unspecified, though it commemorates a ruler known for resisting Mughal dictates, notably by adorning Hindu temples with copper gilt wooden umbrellas instead of demolishing them.

Context

The work reflects the cultural and political nuances of 17th-century Chamba, blending traditional dress with the leisure activity of hookah smoking, set against the backdrop of Mughal influence and resistance.

Legacy

The painting serves as a window into the life and legacy of Raja Chhatar Singh, highlighting his cultural preservation efforts and complex rulership, with further contextual resources available at The Cleveland Museum of Art.