
Mark Rasmussen
International Director
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Sold for US$8,750 inc. premium
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International Director
Revered throughout the Himalayan region as a fierce warrior and effective ruler, Sidh Sen of Mandi (r. 1684-1727) is depicted with his characteristic bare chest and thick bands of hair bisecting his powerful torso. Known to be a fanatical devotee of Shiva, he was also said to possess magical powers. A closely related early portrait held in the Fine Art Museum, Boston (2001.137) shows the ruler as a manifestation of Shiva. Legend suggests the golden gutka, or magical amulet he wears, allowed him to fly to the source of the Ganges each morning to perform his ablutions.
This posthumous portrait was likely commissioned as a mark of reverence by Raja Isvari Sen, who ruled Mandi from 1788 to 1826 and restored Mandi's fortunes after a period of steep decline under the rule of Shamsher Sen.
Provenance
Royal Mandi Collection
Private German Collection, 1969
Rob Dean Art, London, November, 2012