Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh III (1819-1835) of Jaipur
with a courtier under canopy
Artist following Sahibram style
circa 1830 CE
Gouache on paper
11.1 x 7.7 in. (38.1 x 19.6 cm.)
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh III was made heir apparent four months before his birth (right after his father’s unfortunate demise). Since he was a minor, he spent first nine years of his life confined in a zenana. No matter how adverse the courtly and sociopolitical conditions were, painterly activities continued at Jaipur court. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh III’s portraits were painted in a large number by different painters.
Jai Singh III is shown as a teenager, but in the full glory of a Jaipur ruler. This appears to be his wedding portrait as he is embellished with floral garlands and elaborate turban jewelry. A courtier is shown greeting (dressed almost similarly as the ruler), both are against the deep blue evening skyline.
For portraiture in this period, artists continued the style as popularized by masters like Sahibram and Ramjidas.