Drawing of an Army with Elephants and Horses in Two Boats
c. 1730
Description
The drawing depicts two large boats. The first, on the right, features a bow that terminates in the head of a makara, a crocodile-like creature of Hindu mythology. The boat carries a group of horses near the bow and a larger group of war elephants in the center. Soldiers in the boat carry various weapons, including swords, bows, elephant goads (ankus), and spears. Some wear turbans while others wear helmets. The second boat carries two large war elephants. One tries to climb the bow of the boat, while the mounted solider tries to control it. Two soldiers on top of the bow assist in controlling the elephants. The two-tiered stern contains a group of soldiers. Across the bottom are swirls and scribbles, signifying the artist testing strokes as well as adjusting the amount of pigment held in the brushes. Rajput style, Kota school
Dimensions
14 x 27.5 cm (5 1/2 x 10 13/16 in.)
Provenance
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1976 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1976.
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