Prince with Four Attendants (Sri Prathi Singh of Ratlam) - Unknown Rajasthani Artist

A traditional Rajput miniature portrait featuring Sri Prathi Singh of Ratlam with four attendants, rendered in opaque watercolour and gold.

This painting depicts Sri Prathi Singh of Ratlam, a ruler from the Malwa region of Rajasthan, accompanied by four attendants. The composition follows the conventions of mid-eighteenth-century Rajput court portraiture, where the primary figure is positioned centrally to denote status. The prince holds a sword and a lotus flower, symbols of martial authority and refined grace, respectively. He is dressed in a white jama, a traditional garment, adorned with strings of pearls and a jewelled turban.

The four attendants are arranged around the ruler, each performing a specific duty. Two figures stand to the left with hands joined in a gesture of respect, while the two figures to the right carry ceremonial objects, including a fly-whisk and a staff. The artist employs a flat, decorative approach to space, typical of the period. The background is a solid, muted blue, which allows the white garments of the figures to stand out. The floor is rendered with a subtle, repeating pattern, providing a sense of ground without the use of linear perspective.

The painting is framed by a bold red border, a common feature in Indian miniature painting that separates the scene from the surrounding page. The inscription at the top provides identification of the prince and his lineage. The use of opaque watercolour and gold highlights reflects the high level of craftsmanship found in the royal workshops of the time. The figures are rendered with sharp, clear outlines, and their facial features are captured in profile, a stylistic choice that emphasises the dignity of the subjects. This work offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the Ratlam court, documenting the attire, accessories, and social hierarchies of the era.