Mid- 19th century

Portrait of Maharaja Shivaji II of Thanjavur on an Elephant

The Maratha kingdom controlled the southern half of India from the late seventeenth to nineteenth century. This unusual painting depicts one of the last Maratha kings, Shivaji II of Thanjavur (ruled 1832–1855), riding an elephant. It is a playful interpretation of a formal equestrian portrait: the usual assembly of attendants is replaced by a black langur monkey and an emaciated man dressed in a loincloth. Shivaji is completely enveloped in gold, a visible sign of kingship. Below the elephant and inset into the composition is a rectangular mirror. All but the elephant direct their gaze toward the viewer, who in turn is captured by the mirror.