18th century
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.
30 x 39.1 cm (11 13/16 x 15 3/8 in.)
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.
Ink and opaque watercolor on paper
18th centuryIndianInk and opaque white watercolor on paper
18th centuryIndianOpaque watercolor on paper; Rajput Style, Kota School.
18th centuryIndianBlack ink over charcoal underdrawing on off-white laid paper
18th centuryIndianInk and opaque watercolor on paper
18th centuryIndianInk and watercolor on paper
18th centuryIndianGraphite on paper
18th centuryIndianInk and opaque white watercolor on paper
18th centuryIndianInk on paper
18th centuryIndianInk and opaque watercolor on paper
18th centuryIndianInk and opaque watercolor on paper; Rajput Style
18th centuryIndianBlack ink and white opaque watercolor on off-white laid paper; figures pricked; Rajput Style, Kota School
18th centuryIndian