Important Notice

Mid 19th Century

Kangra School

Size: 20 x 16 in (50.8 x 40.6 cm)


In the later half of the 19th century, the Kangra School produced some large miniatures. This particular example can be easily classified as being among the largest ones.

It shows a charming and beautiful Queen seated in her chamber within the palace. She has six pretty maids to attend to her, each waiting eagerly for instructions.

The Queen has a lovely cream complexion. Her eyes are like those of a doe with slanting eyebrows, a sharp nose and compressed lips. She is a paragon of beauty. The Queen wears a deep orange coloured, gold-speckled, long-sleeved blouse and a long flared skirt as well as a fine gold bordered veil that covers her head and shoulders. She is adorned in gold necklaces, gold bangles, earrings and head decoration. Her face is turned to one side as she speaks to her attendants. Her seat of gold is covered with a rich green fabric with floral embroidery. She rests against a large bolster with a gold brocade cover.

The six female attendants to the Queen are also portrayed with beautiful faces, rich and colourful vestments with gold-bordered veils covering their heads. All of them are heavily bejeweled. Their palms and the tips of their fingers are henna-dyed. They are all seated on a rich blue carpet with extensive floral work. A low seat of gold has a gold ewer, a box and a pot placed on it. Behind the Queen, the high palace walls continue. The architecture depicted with a slant gives perspective to the painting. Tree tops can be seen beyond the palace. The blue sky above has tufts of white clouds. The foreground shows latticed low balustrades of the finest marble.

Kangra artists are one with nature. They portray expressive and fascinating faces with a dreamy look. This painting is an interesting insight into the luxurious lifestyle of Indian royalty. The beautiful faces, pleasant subject, elaborate detailing and extremely rare large format collectively make this painting a collector's delight.

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