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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2009.202.99
Title
Soldiers at a Palace Entrance Gate
Classification
Drawings
Work Type
drawing
Date
18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Rajasthan, Kota
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/217513

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Ink and opaque watercolor on paper; Rajput Style, Kota School
Dimensions
21.4 x 9 cm (8 7/16 x 3 9/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1969 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum.

Notes:
Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1969.

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
2009.202.99
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
A group of soldiers gather around an entrance gate to a palace. The gate is topped with a large chhatri (canopy), a large, dome-like structure that commonly adorns Indian architecture. At the top of the arched entrance are two elephants facing each other with their trunks raised, a common motif to signify the entrance to a palace. The open door to the gate reveals a small niche in which an orange statue of the Hindu god Ganesh sits. Ganesh is revered as the remover of obstacles and one who gives luck and blessings. Thus, it is common to find him at the entrance of every home and temple in India. The soldiers are depicted in various dress. Some wear mail shirts, helmets with large plumes, and wield swords. A group is dressed in orange robes (jama) with red turbans. They carry long spears and maces. One in particular carries a tiger-headed mace which is used in processions to signify the arrival of royalty, nobility, or someone of high-ranking military status. The third group wears green robes and red turbans. Some carry matchlock guns, while others carry swords. Rajput Style, Kota School.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu