Maharaja Kishor Singh (r.1819-1828) of Kotah
worshiping Shrinathji
by Kotah court artist
circa 1820 CE
Gouache on paper
13.2 x 9.7 in. (33.5 x 24.6 cm.)
Revered as one of the most inspired Vaishnav among nineteenth-century rulers, Maharao Kishor Singh worshipped Shrinathji and all his swarups, including his personal deity Brijnathji.
Artist has played an interesting game of contrast and saturation with his colour choices in the composition. He teamed orange of the backdrop with Maharao Kishor Singh’s outfit and blue of
Shrinathji and background (behind the orange backdrop) with the night skyline. These bright colours are neutralized with grey base of the walls and floor in the temple complex, but at the same time are contrasted with a multi coloured flag at the top of the thatched roof and bright red border. While a priest performs aarti, venerating Kishor Singh attends the darshan with joined palms.
Kishor Singh must have assembled painters from Nathdwara and other courts, as evident from the mixed style and colour palette of paintings of his period.