MAHARANA PRATAP SINGH II PRESENTS GOLD COINS TO RAJ SINGH II

Acquired 1977

Some paint flaking particularly at the upper left quadrant and in areas of the carpet and steps on lower left, clearly visible in catalogue illustration. Small stain spots on lighter areas. A repaired dent to paper visible on upper ground adjacent to golden architectural element at center. Some trimming at edges. Verso: some age-related staining. Sections of conservator's tape visible. Numerous old inventory notations and marks in ink and red crayon. Inscriptions in black ink. Conservation framed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Maharana Pratap Singh II (1724-54) of Mewar stands nimbate (haloed) in a full-length muslin Jama and orange Sisodia pagri (cap) holding a ceremonial sword.  He places gold coins into the two reaching hands of his young son and eventual successor, Raj Singh II (1743-1761).  Both nearly identically dressed with very similar beards.  On a red floral-pattern carpet against a blue wall with gold niches - white marble columns frame the pair at left and right.  Below black and white checker-board pattern steps leading to a predominantly green and red floral carpet at bottom.

This is a very rare, or possibly unique, double-portrait of the two least-often depicted (and shortest-reigned) maharanas since the origin of Mewar portraiture during the Seventeenth Century.  Rana Pratap reigned only for a brief three years before dying at the age of 29 - the throne of Udaipur ascended by Raj Singh II at the youthful age of 10.  In later portraits, after his succession, Raj appears shaven, no longer resembling the beard-style of his father - but his face easily recognizable.  

In two portraits of Raj Singh II riding a horse and an elephant in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne (AS168-1980 and AS166-1980) we see the youthful equestrian maharana with his pagri decorated with small white narcissus blossoms as in our present painting. For similar works, see Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession no. 2004.40, and National Gallery of Victoria, accession no. AS168-1980.