National Gallery of Modern Art-Parikraman

A Prince Holding a Floral Bow and Arrow 1338 Tempera Painting 15.87 x 21.29 cms

Among the chief patrons for the art of miniature paintings, the provincial governers, kings of Rajasthan and Pahari kingdoms are considered the most important ones. Although the Rajput school evolved much earlier but the school of art in practice flourished during 18th century in the Royal courts of Rajasthan. Thus, the stylistic evolution took place as usual under the patronage of the respective kings, and notably, the evolution of styles of Rajput painting is dependent on geographical categories. Each kingdom helped to evolved a distinct style yet all were connected via some common features grossly known to as Rajput miniatures. This miniature school adopts number of themes and events from the epics; Ramayana and Mahabharata, life of Lord Krishna, other themes like Rasikpriya (lyrical paintings of Radha and Krishna from the poems of Rasikpriya series by Keshavdas), Ragamala paintings (painting of various moods of Ragas in the classical Indian music), Baramasa paintings and many others.In this painting, the artist painted a scene where a Prince is with his female companions, while the prince is holding a floral bow and arrow.