A ruler on horseback, probably Maharao Bakhtawar Singh of Alwar, Alwar, circa 1790-1810

gouache heightened with gold on paper, small metallic elements inset on horse trappings, multicoloured narrow borders, laid down on stout paper, inscribed on the reverse in red ink in devanagari script; and incorrectly in English, in black ink: 'H.H. Ram Singh of Jaipure'; with a valuation of 25 rupees

Sir Howard Hodgkin, C.H., C.B.E., London (b.1932)
Edward Lucie-Smith, London (b.1933)
Acquired in 1964

In good overall condition, slight abrasions to borders, colours vivid and gold bright, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The later inscription on the verso misidentifies the subject as Maharaja Ram Singh II of Jaipur (r.1835-80). In fact it is almost certainly Maharao Bakhtawar Singh of Alwar (r.1791-1815). The facial features, turban and particular facial topiary is identical to a portrait in Hendley's 1897 Rulers of India and the Chiefs of Rajputana (London 1897, pl.16, no.2), which, although stylised, gives a good indication of how he looked. Furthermore, the style and composition of the portrait is extremely close to an equestrian portrait of Maharao Bakhtawar's successor-but-one Maharao Sheodan Singh (r.1857-74), identified by Losty and attributed to Alwar, circa 1863 (see Losty 2010, pp.112-5, V and cover illustration; and pp.116-9, no.49). For a panorama of Alwar probably painted for Bakhtawar Singh's successor Banni Singh, see lot 35 in this catalogue.

The surface of the present work has been embellished with small metallic insets (probably copper and silver) on the horse trappings, an unusual and lavish addition.