Artwork
Prince Mathu Singh of Jatoli on a Blue Horse Riding to Udaipur
Prince Mathu Singh of Jatoli on a Blue Horse Riding to Udaipur is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a princely figure astride a striking blue horse, its hooves lifted as if in mid‑gallop.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The choice of a blue horse serves as a key visual element within this early 18th-century Rajput composition, highlighting the status and identity of the prince.
The painting depicts Prince Mathu Singh of Jatoli mounted on a blue horse, traveling toward the city of Udaipur. Created in 1720, the work captures a specific moment of transit featuring the royal figure and his distinctive steed. The choice of a blue horse serves as a key visual element within this early 18th-century Rajput composition, highlighting the status and identity of the prince. The scene represents a journey to Udaipur, a significant destination in the region's history.
Technique & Style
The work depicts Prince Mathu Singh of Jatoli on a blue horse in motion toward Udaipur, rendered as a painting on canvas support. It was created circa 1720, reflecting Rajasthani courtly themes with formal compositional balance and stylized figure handling characteristic of 18th-century Indian miniature traditions adapted to large-scale support. The piece is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, accessioned under the identifier 2018.164.
History & Provenance
Created in 1720, the painting Prince Mathu Singh of Jatoli on a Blue Horse Riding to Udaipur is attributed to an unknown artist. The work depicts the prince riding a blue horse and is classified as a painting from the early 18th century. It is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it entered the museum's holdings in 2018 under the accession number 2018.164.
No further details regarding the original commission, specific patron, or the precise circumstances of its creation prior to its modern acquisition are provided in the available records.
Overview
The work depicts a princely figure astride a striking blue horse, its hooves lifted as if in mid‑gallop. The rider grips a staff in one hand and a rounded object in the other, while a second figure below swings a net. The composition is set against a predominantly green landscape that recedes toward a darkened sky.
Context
The scene reflects a tradition of depicting noble riders in dynamic motion, a motif common in South Asian court paintings that celebrate martial prowess and ceremonial travel. The inclusion of a net‑swinging figure may reference local festivities or hunting practices associated with the prince’s status.
Artist & collection
