Who painted Royal Elephant Ramkali with a Mahout?

Royal Elephant Ramkali with a Mahout was painted by Unknown in 1761.

Where can I see Royal Elephant Ramkali with a Mahout?

Royal Elephant Ramkali with a Mahout is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Royal Elephant Ramkali with a Mahout?

Royal Elephant Ramkali with a Mahout is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

Royal Elephant Ramkali with a Mahout

Unknown , 1761

Royal Elephant Ramkali with a Mahout is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1761 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2005.202
Credit line: Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski

About this work

Overview

Royal Elephant Ramkali with a Mahout is a painting depicting a female elephant and her driver. The work is part of a series of portraits of elephants from the royal stables of Udaipur.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a mahout guiding a large gray elephant, Ramkali, at a brisk pace. Elephants have long been a symbol of royal power in India, and the king maintained detailed records of the animals in his stables.

Technique & Style

The artist has captured the movement of the elephant, with bells on her harness depicted in motion. The elephant's name is written in the upper margin, a feature common to the series.

History & Provenance

The painting dates to the 1700s and originates from Udaipur, where it was part of a larger series documenting the royal elephants.