67
Ram Singh I of Kota hunting rhinoceros
Although badly damaged, this hunting scene
powerful renderings of the hunt in Indian art,
Kota, Rajasthan, ca. 1700
is one of the most dramatic known examples
with skilled tonal modeling of the beasts and
Opaque watercolor on paper;
of the genre. The elephant as combatant
restrained use of color that is confined to the
page: 12 ⁄8 x 18 ⁄4 in. (32.1 x 47.6 cm)
was a favored subject in the court painting of
elephant’s harnessings and blankets. Stuart
Private Collection
Bundi, from which the Kota school evolved
Cary Welch wrote of this work that such is its
Published: Lee and Montgomery, Rajput Painting
following the creation of that state by Shah
compelling energy that it makes us “feel the
(1960), no. 36; Beach, Rajput Painting at Bundi
Jahan in 1631. The subject of this painting, the
thud of feet and the lashing of ropes, and
and Kota (1974), figs. 71–77; Welch, India: Art and
elephant and two noble riders, are united as
hear the clang of bells.” 22
Culture (1985), no. 242; Welch, Rajasthani
a single force, pitiless in pursuit of their prey.
Miniatures (1997), fig. 1
The Kota Master created one of the most
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kota master a (attributed)
