Maharaja Serfoji II accompanied by his Minister
Unknown Artist
ca. 1800
Medium
Opaque watercolor with raised gold on paper
Dimensions
Image: 23 1/2 × 17 1/4 in. (59.7 × 43.8 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Culture & Period
India, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu · Thanjavur School
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2021
Accession Number
2021.81a, b
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
In the heart of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, this striking opaque watercolor painting from around 1800 captures Maharaja Serfoji II, the enlightened ruler of the Maratha kingdom of Tanjore (1798–1832), accompanied by his trusted minister. Created by an unknown artist of the Thanjavur—a renowned South Indian tradition—this work exemplifies royal portraiture, portraying the maharaja in regal splendor amid a vibrant courtly setting. Serfoji II, a scholar-patron of arts, sciences, and music, fostered a golden age in Thanjavur, blending Maratha and local Dravidian influences. The Thanjavur style shines through its meticulous technique: opaque watercolors (gouache) layered richly on paper, accented with raised gold for a luxurious, jewel-like gleam. Measuring 23½ × 17¼ inches, the painting's flat, vivid colors, intricate borders, and gilded highlights evoke the opulence of temple art traditions, often used for devotion or prestige. Gold's elevation creates a tactile, shimmering effect, symbolizing divine kingship. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department (acquired 2021), this piece offers a window into 19th-century Indian princely culture, where art celebrated power, piety, and legacy. Visitors will appreciate its enduring vibrancy, bridging history and artistry.