A King with Two Boys Arrives on an Elephant

'A King with Two Boys on an Elephant' (1648) is a fantastic example of a 17 th century Rajasthani miniature painting. It was created by the famous Mewar artist Sahibdin. The painting has many elements to it. It has many details throughout the painting and shows a royal figure. There are many elements shown throughout the painting including royal figures, a procession of figures, architecture and human interaction. The painting has been well laid out into sections of architecture. There are many groups of figures. On the right there is a detailed elephant. The royal figure has been crowned and is sat inside an ornate howdah with two young boys. The elephant has been detailed with beautiful patterns. This gives the painting importance as it shows the status and power of the royal figure. There are many figures within a procession and guards with shields and weapons. Their clothing has been coloured to create a sense of rhythm within the bottom section. In the centre there is a figure wearing white clothing stood next to an architectural gateway. This figure is surrounded by a group of figures and attendants. On the left there is another crowned figure. This figure is sat inside an area with red walls and surrounded by a group of ladies and attendants. This suggests that there is some important activity taking place within the royal court. The painting has been created using flat areas. There are many architectural elements within the painting including geometric shapes, terraces, gateways and patterned parapets. There are also natural elements included such as trees and leafy plants. The artist has used many bright colours throughout the painting including vermilion, mustard yellow, dark blue, green, white and earthy tones. This creates strong contrast between the figures, buildings and landscape. The painting has been well laid out with clear outlines. There are stylised profiles, elongated figures and ornate clothing. This painting has been created using the typical characteristics of Mewar paintings. The artist has not used perspective to create depth but has used overlapping figures, separate sections of architecture and different sizes. This creates a sense that the painting is a story. This makes the viewer look at the procession and see the interaction between the figures. This painting is significant as it shows how Sahibdin was able to create an interesting painting based on a story/history. It tells us information about how royal processions were shown, there was a social hierarchy, royal traditions, clothing, architecture and the importance of elephants. Overall this painting shows how the artist has created an expressive painting using bright colour schemes and a well laid out painting.