Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu with a Sardar before a Vishnu Shrine

Maharaja Gulab Singh (1792–1857) was the founder and first ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. He is pictured standing upon a richly patterned European carpet paying obeisance before an elaborate Vishnu shrine. The gentleman standing at his left bearing a flywhisk is clearly a high-ranking official, possibly his Prime Minister Zorawar Singh.

Good overall condition. Water stain on blue upper ground clearly seen in catalogue illustration. Minor retouching to two areas of paint loss on red carpeted ground beneath altar and to two further areas of blue adjacent to Vishnu's arched halo on the upper left. Some slight pressure marks and rubbing to pigment on Gulab Singh's robes, particularly to the silver trim of his robes which has oxidized to gray. Green pigments are brighter in reality. This lot is exhibited in a temporary frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Maharaja Gulab Singh (1792–1857) was the founder and first ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, a position conferred upon him by the British after the defeat of the Sikhs in the first Anglo Sikh war. Beginning his career as a member of Ranjit Singh's cavalry in 1809, he worked his way up the ranks becoming Prime Minister of Jammu. Following the death of Ranjit Singh he shrewdly eliminated his rivals and consolidated his position as the suzerain of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Maharaja is pictured standing upon a richly patterned European carpet paying obeisance before an elaborate Vishnu shrine. The gentleman standing at his left bearing a flywhisk is clearly a high-ranking official. It could possibly be his trusted general Zorawar Singh who led Gulab Singh's key military expeditions and later became his Prime Minister.