Maharaja Sardar Singh of Bikaner, ca. 1860–70, India (Rajasthan, Bikaner), Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper, 16 x 12 in. (40.6 x 30.5 cm), Paintings, Chotu, Maharaja Sardar Singh (r. 1851–72) is captured here in an extraordinary portrait whose creator was undoubtedly aware of the inroads photography was making among royal patrons. At first glance, the work seems one of almost photographic realism.
Maharaja Sardar Singh of Bikaner, ca. 1860–70, India (Rajasthan, Bikaner), Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper, 16 x 12 in. (40.6 x 30.5 cm), Paintings, Chotu, Maharaja Sardar Singh (r. 1851–72) is captured here in an extraordinary portrait whose creator was undoubtedly aware of the inroads photography was making among royal patrons. At first glance, the work seems one of almost photographic realism