2009.202.34: Drawing of an Elephant and its Driver (Mahout)

Identification and Creation

Object Number

2009.202.34

Title

Drawing of an Elephant and its Driver (Mahout)

Classification

Drawings

Work Type

drawing

Date

c. 1730

Places

Creation Place: South Asia, India, Rajasthan, Kota

Culture

Indian

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/183755

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Ink and opaque watercolor on paper

Dimensions

32.2 x 49 cm (12 11/16 x 19 5/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1999 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum.

Notes:
Object was part of long-term loan to Museum in 1999.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, The Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Gift of Edith I. Welch in memory of Stuart Cary Welch

Accession Year

2009

Object Number

2009.202.34

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

This drawing, which has significant losses at the bottom of the page, depicts a large elephant running. The sense of motion can be seen through the swinging bell at the center of the elephant’s body and the fluttering robe of the elephant driver (mahout). The elephant’s ears flap forward and its tail is curved upward. The elephant driver sits at the nape of the elephant’s neck, his feet tucked under the large collar. The driver has a dark mustache, wears a turban, and carries an elephant goad (ankus) above his head. The elephant goad is used to control and manipulate the elephant’s movement. Rajput Style, Kota School.

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