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Fateh Raj Singhvi carried in a palanquin by his attendants
Fateh Raj Singhvi carried in a palanquin by his attendants

Fateh Raj Singhvi carried in a palanquin by his attendants

Artist (Indian)
Place of OriginRajasthan state, India, former kingdom of Jodhpur
Dateapprox. 1820-1840
MaterialsOpaque watercolors on paper
DimensionsH. 12 1/8 in x W. 15 3/8 in, H. 31.0 cm x W. 39.2 cm
Credit LineGift of Gursharan and Elvira Sidhu
Object number1991.252
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
Inscribed"Singhvi ji sri fatai (fateh) raj ji ri tasbir citara bhatti vana ra hat ri." translation according to Debra Diamond, 10/15/01: from the hand of the artist Vana (ra) Bhatti, a picture of Fateh Raj Singhvi (a Jain administrator/general at the court of Man Singh).
More Information
A high-ranking minister at the Jodhpur royal court, Fateh Raj Singhvi is seen here traveling with his impressive entourage. He is the unmistakable focus of the painting: his crowned and seated figure is the largest in size; it is positioned at the center of the image and framed by the palanquin canopy. He is well protected by his private army and his arrival is announced by standard-bearers. Such symbols and protocols are established conventions for Indian rulers. But here, a visual association is made between the power and privileges of royalty and Fateh Raj—who was a minister and not a king. An inscription on this painting’s reverse gives the name of Fateh Raj, and the rendering of his face, although stylized, suggests his distinctive features, giving the portrait a specificity.