Processional scene with Amar Singh, ruler of Thanjavur (Tanjore), and Sarabhoji
1797
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1797
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Processional scene with Amar Singh, ruler of Thanjavur (Tanjore), and Sarabhoji is a 1797 paint by Unknown, a Patna School of Painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
You see a scene with two carriages and many people. The ruler, Amar Singh, is in a large gilded carriage. This painting is interesting because it shows the transfer of power. Amar Singh was ruler until 1798, then the British replaced him with Sarabhoji. Check out the technique of chiaroscuro to learn more about how artists use light and dark.
The painting is a varnished gouache on paper in the Company style, depicting a grand procession featuring Amar Singh, ruler of Thanjavur from 1787 to 1798, and his successor Sarabhoji, who reigned from 1798 to 1832. Amar Singh is shown in the larger gilded carriage, indicating the work was created before 1798, when he was pensioned off by the British. Sarabhoji appears in a smaller carriage, reflecting his ascension to power that year. The scene includes white bullocks pulling the carriages, along with elephants, horses, soldiers, and attendants.
Read the full account in the museum source.
