Frontal View of an Elephant Chasing a Horseman
19th century
Description
The page features a large elephant, viewed from the front, charging at a male figure on horseback. Sitting on top of the elephant is the elephant driver (mahout). He wears a large, white turban; a long, yellow robe (jama), and a green waist sash (patka). He holds up, with both hands, a large elephant goad (ankus). The elephant’s gray eyes are fixated on the horseman and its trunk wraps around his waist. The rider turns back to stab the elephant in the trunk with a punch dagger (katar). The rider wears a yellow turban and a green robe. The intensity of the scene is heightened by the swinging bells that adorn the elephant, the horse’s full gallop, and the rider’s unraveling turban. Rajput Style.
Dimensions
21.2 x 14.6 cm (8 3/8 x 5 3/4 in.)
Provenance
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1973 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1973.
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