A Portrait of Serfoji, the last Rajah of Tanjore, India, Tanjore, circa 1820-30

Gouache on ivory, bust portrait depicting a heavily bejewelled figure with elaborate turban and side-whiskers, with an oval frame mounted on a rectangular one, inscribed on the reverse 'The Last Rajah of Tanjore by a Tanjore Palace Artist' 

In very good overall condition, painting has slightly slipped in frame, as viewed.
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Serfoji (1799-1830) was the last Maharaja of Tanjore, and it has been suggested by Jerry Losty that the present high-quality portrait is possibly influenced by the works of Anna Tonelli (c.1763-1846). Tonelli (born Anna Nistri) was the daughter of a miniaturist who taught drawing to the second Lord Clive's children. Clive (created Earl of Powis in 1804) employed Tonelli as governess in both London and India between 1794 and 1802. A number of Tonelli's paintings (including a portrait of Tipu Sultan) can be found in Powis Castle (see M. Archer et al, Treasures From India, The Clive Collection at Powis Castle, London, 1987, pp.132-7, nos.212, 213, 224, 225, 228 and 229).