Elephant Under a Tree | Harvard Art Museums

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 2009.202.143
People: Attributed to Shaykh Taju, Indian
Title: Elephant Under a Tree
Classification: Drawings
Work Type: drawing
Date: 18th century
Places: Creation Place: South Asia, India, Rajasthan, Kota
Culture: Indian
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/217677

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Ink and opaque watercolor on paper; Rajput Style, Kota School
Dimensions: 30 x 39.1 cm (11 13/16 x 15 3/8 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History: Stuart Cary Welch (by 1983 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum.

Notes:
Object was part of long-term loan to Museum in 1983.

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: 2009.202.143
Division: Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact: am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions: The Harvard Art Museums encourage the use of images found on this website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. To request a higher resolution file of this image, please submit an online request.

Descriptions

Description: The painting depicts a large elephant under a tree. Its trunk curls upward as it brushes its only tusk against a branch. Its mouth is agape, and its feet appear to be in movement. The elephant might be in musth, which is a periodic condition in bull elephants, characterized by highly aggressive behavior due the increase in testosterone levels. 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

Add to Collection

Log in to the Harvard Art Museums