Muhammad Ali Khan, Nawab of Arcot
Painting
1772-1776 (made)
1772-1776 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This portrait is an example of the early introduction of western painting to Indian courts. It depicts Muhammad Ali Wallajah (r.1749-1795) who was installed as the Nawab of Arcot and the Carnatic by the British after he committed support for their campaigns in the Deccan. Unable to sustain the payments he had promised, he was subsequently forced to surrender most of his kingdom to the East India Company. The British artist, Tilly Kettle, was the first significant British portrait painter to work in India. Kettle had landed in Madras (modern Chennai) in 1769 and stayed there for two years painting some fine portraits of East India Company officials as well as scenes of local life. His success in Madras led to the commission for this imposing portrait of the Nawab. It shows the ruler, dressed in lavish robes and jewels, standing imperiously on a terrace with classical columns and balustrade. At his neck, the Nawab wears one of the famous Arcot diamonds.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Muhammad Ali Khan, Nawab of Arcot (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Painted on paper |
| Brief description | Painting, portrait of Muhammad Ali Khan, by Tilly Kettle, oil on canvas, India, 1772-1776 |
| Physical description | Painting, oil on canvas, portrait of Muhammed Ali Khan, Nawab of Arcot. This full length portrait shows the Nawab dressed in his jewelled turban, pearl necklaces and armlets. |
| Dimensions |
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| Content description | Muhammed Ali Khan, Nawab of Arcot. This full length portrait shows the Nawab dressed in his jewelled turban, pearl necklaces and armlets. |
| Marks and inscriptions | Nabob Omdut il Mulk.
Seragil Dowla.
Anaverden Caun.
Behauder Delaver Jung.
Nabob of Arcot and the Carnatick. |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Miss Charlotte Sulivan |
| Object history | Bequeathed by Miss Charlotte Sulivan of Broom House, Fulham. Exhibited Society of Artists 1775. Bequeathed by Miss Charlotte Sulivan. Per Messrs Lee and Pembertons, 44 Lincoln's Inn Field, W.C. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project. RP 1911-2855M |
| Historical context | Warren Hastings paid 1000 guineas for this painting which was subsequently sold at Christie's for 7 guineas. It was bought by Stephen Sulivan (1741-1821), Judge-Advocate in India. Mrs Archer (1979, p. 71) notes that Stephen was the son of Laurence Sulivan, one of Kettle's sponsors. It was inherited by his son, Laurence Sulivan (1783-1866), and then by Miss Charlotte Sulivan. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This portrait is an example of the early introduction of western painting to Indian courts. It depicts Muhammad Ali Wallajah (r.1749-1795) who was installed as the Nawab of Arcot and the Carnatic by the British after he committed support for their campaigns in the Deccan. Unable to sustain the payments he had promised, he was subsequently forced to surrender most of his kingdom to the East India Company. The British artist, Tilly Kettle, was the first significant British portrait painter to work in India. Kettle had landed in Madras (modern Chennai) in 1769 and stayed there for two years painting some fine portraits of East India Company officials as well as scenes of local life. His success in Madras led to the commission for this imposing portrait of the Nawab. It shows the ruler, dressed in lavish robes and jewels, standing imperiously on a terrace with classical columns and balustrade. At his neck, the Nawab wears one of the famous Arcot diamonds. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.124-1911 |
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| Record created | July 2, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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