It is currently located at Aicon art gallery in New York while it was on auction in 2019 at Christie's New York and in 2022-2024 it was on exhibition at Air India’s Maharaja: Advertising Gone Rogue, Poster House Museum.
Pandit Seu was a Pahari painting artist who was specialized in musawir. He worked under the reign of Raja Dilip Singh of Guler State and he belonged to the Seu-Nainsukh family. He also came in contact with Mughal artists. He also established his own family workshop which lasted for 150 years. His two sons Manaku and Nainsukh also became great artists. He belonged to the Pahari style of painting which began in 1730. Because of the weakening of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century many great artists took patronage in other territory such as that of hills. Seu also incorporated some of the Mughal elements.
Seated Nobleman on a Terrace : In this painting one can see the noble man sitting on a carpet. He is seen wearing bright green jama along with belt which is studded with jewels. He is also wearing necklace made out of rubies, emeralds, jewels and pearls. He is seen seating against bolster. In his hand there is hookah. Painting is done using opaque watercolour along with gold on paper. It is currently located at Aicon art gallery in New York while it was on auction in 2019 at Christie's New York and in 2022-2024 it was on exhibition at Air India’s Maharaja: Advertising Gone Rogue, Poster House Museum.
This painting is simple depiction of a noble man, yet its intricacy and attention to detail radiates through the depiction of the jewels and the intricate designs illustrated on the carpet. This is indeed a beautiful piece of art by Pandit Seu, who belonged to the Pahari School of Painting.
