Maharana Sangram Singh of Mewar Riding in an Elephant Procession
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
Indian rulers liked to ride elephants because the animals offered a high vantage point and represented the power and stability of a prosperous kingdom. But elephants were very expensive to care for, so only the wealthiest princes could afford to keep them and they used them only on special occasions. This painting must represent an extremely important event, because the prince—carrying a gold elephant goad—is one of several nobleman seated on elephants. The painting offers no information about the destination of the procession; perhaps the group is traveling to visit the ruler of a neighboring state.
Caption
Maharana Sangram Singh of Mewar Riding in an Elephant Procession, ca. 1730–40. Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, 13 7/8 x 19 13/16 in. (35.2 x 50.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Bertram H. Schaffner, 2007.30. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Maharana Sangram Singh of Mewar Riding in an Elephant Procession
Date
ca. 1730–40
Geography
Place made: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Classification
Dimensions
13 7/8 x 19 13/16 in. (35.2 x 50.3 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Bertram H. Schaffner
Accession Number
2007.30
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