Description:

Lot 34. MAHARAJA ALA SINGH, THE RAJAH OF PATIALA (B. 1691–D. 1765), SEATED ON A HORSE
18th Century, North India

Opaque pigments on paper, the painting depicts Maharaja Ala Singh riding a richly caparisoned horse, attended by three retainers. The ruler is shown with a radiant nimbus, wearing a yellow jama and white turban, and holding the reins while carrying a sword at his side. Above him a red parasol with gold ornament is held aloft, marking his status. The horse is adorned with elaborate trappings in red, gold, and green, including beaded harness, embroidered saddlecloth, and tasselled ornaments. The attendants flank the ruler on both sides, each dressed in colourful robes and turbans, their features and garments finely delineated against a flat green ground. The composition is framed by a yellow border, the pigments showing age-related mattness and scattered surface abrasions.

The reverse is plain, formed of an untreated sheet of fibrous paper with faint tonal variations and minor discoloration toward the lower edge.

Court portraits of this kind served to affirm royal authority and commemorate the ruler’s public presence. Equestrian imagery was commonly employed to express martial capability, ceremony, and sovereignty within North Indian court ateliers of the 18th century.

Measurements: 27 x 20.5cm

Folio: 25 x 18.5cm

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December 16, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

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