Portrait of Prince Sur Singh Rathor of Bikaner (1594–1631)

1611–13

Portrait of Prince Sur Singh Rathor of Bikaner (1594–1631), 1611–13. Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Bikaner. Gum tempera and gold on paper; page: 20.5 x 13.4 cm (8 1/16 x 5 1/4 in.); miniature: 11.2 x 6.4 cm (4 7/16 x 2 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2018.188 A young prince stands against a light blue backdrop, dressed in white translucent muslin jama (belted tunic) and yellow trousers. He has a dagger safely tucked in his sash while he holds a long straight sword encased in a black sheath. Religious markings (tilakas) on his forehead, neck, and ear indicate that he was a follower of the Hindu god Vishnu, who was popular among the royal houses of Rajasthan. A coin purse hangs by a gold chain from his belt.