Lot 326: A PROFILE PORTRAIT OF TIPU SULTAN THE TIGER OF MYSORE, OIL ON CANVAS, 19TH CENTURY - 20TH CENTURY

A PROFILE PORTRAIT OF TIPU SULTAN THE TIGER OF MYSORE, OIL ON CANVAS, 19TH CENTURY – 20TH CENTURY

This oil on canvas painting presents a profile portrait of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, executed in a style blending 18th-century European portraiture with Indian decorative motifs. The subject is depicted in left profile against a dark, somber background within an oval vignette. He wears a red tunic featuring a repeating scale pattern, adorned with a triple strand of pearl necklaces and a jewelled sash. His white turban is decorated with a detailed sarpech, or aigrette, set with red and green gemstones and topped with a black feather plume. To the right of the subject, a green tree is visible. The painting is housed in a period-style gilt wood frame with a beaded inner border and molded edges. The verso of the piece shows a darkened canvas on a wooden stretcher with corner keys.

69 by 48.5cm with frame