A Prince and His Consort Strolling In a Garden, India, Guler, circa 1800-1810

A Prince and his consort take a leisurely stroll within the confines of a tent-walled enclosure. Besides the Prince, only ladies-in-waiting may be seen within this private space of the zenana. The couple are accompanied by attendants who relieve their master of his weighty quiver and sword while he puffs on a huqqa carried by another attendant walking at a respectful pace behind. The picturesque garden features a marble encased pool with its still, silvery waters reflecting the forms of musicians and ladies afar. This perfect setting of leisure is accentuated by a covered pavilion seen on one end, its floor partially strewn with cushions and a bolster. Flowering trees in the background complete the picture.

The degree of detail featured in this painting is remarkable, not just the perfectly-scaled reflections seen in the water but also the tent pegs that can be picked out in the green ground. Compare with another painting depicting a similar scene of leisure, picturing Raja Bhup Singh of Guler abed with his consort within a walled enclosure by a stream in W. G. Archer, Indian Paintings from the Punjab Hills, vol. II, London, New York & Delhi, 1973, pl. 57, p 115. Here too the folio border is ornamented with multi-lobed cartouches similar to our present painting.