Maharaja Shri Anand Singh-ji and His Consort - Ustad Murad

A refined 18th-century Rajput miniature painting depicting Maharaja Shri Anand Singh-ji with his consort, rendered in opaque watercolour and gold.

This work, attributed to the artist Ustad Murad, originates from the Kishangarh school of Rajput painting. It depicts Maharaja Shri Anand Singh-ji in a moment of leisure, accompanied by his consort and an attendant. The composition follows the conventions of courtly portraiture, where the figures are arranged in profile against a simplified, flat background. The Maharaja is shown smoking a hookah, a common motif in depictions of nobility, while his consort stands beside him, holding a small vessel. An attendant stands to the right, completing the trio.

The artist employs a refined colour palette, utilising soft yellows, deep blues, and muted earth tones. Gold leaf is applied to the garments and architectural elements, reflecting the opulence associated with the Kishangarh court. The figures are rendered with delicate, precise lines, particularly in the facial features and the folds of their traditional attire. The textile patterns, such as the floral motifs on the Maharaja's cushion and the attendant's skirt, demonstrate the attention to detail characteristic of this period.

The scene is framed by an arched border, a common device in Indian miniature painting to create a sense of enclosure and focus. The background is divided into horizontal bands of colour, which provides a sense of space without relying on Western linear perspective. The work captures the social hierarchy and the aesthetic values of the 18th-century Rajput court. Through the careful balance of colour and form, the artist presents a scene of domestic tranquillity and courtly grace. This print preserves the subtle gradations of the original pigments and the metallic sheen of the gold accents, offering a clear view of the technical skill involved in the creation of such miniature works.