The Maratha dignitary's hieratic pose, with his hand on the hilt of his sword is typical of contemporary iconography for portraits of monarchs and dignitaries. Wearing a long angarakha (the tunic) and a broad sash that is wrapped twice over, he is depicted as the source of grace and good breeding. The neck of the tunic is decorated with gold edgings. The sleeves are long and almost cover the wrists. Very little of the striped pyjamas can be seen. The flat soled 'juttis' that he wears are embroidered in gold. The head gear is typical of the Maratha feudal. It is shaped like an inverted boat and is decorated with pearls and stones. The ornamental hilt of the sword tapers into a long sheath that escapes out of the pictorial space. Here, the artists rigorous formalism admirable serves the timeless, stereotyped nature of these conventional portraits, which were invariably governed by strict hierarchy.
The artist uses an old stamp paper for his base and transforms it into an artwork of high caliber. It is a sober, concise and a powerful work with a representation rarely found in miniatures.
This description by Kiranjyot.
Of Related Interest:
The Portrait of a Maratha Warrior
Peshva
Tanaji The Great Maratha Warrior
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