Vintage Hand-Painted Maharana Pratap on Chetak – Rajasthani Gouache Painting on Paper
Vintage Hand-Painted Maharana Pratap on Chetak – Rajasthani Gouache Painting on Paper
A striking hand-painted equestrian portrait of Maharana Pratap, the legendary ruler of Mewar, portrayed majestically on horseback in traditional Rajput warrior attire.
The composition presents Maharana Pratap in profile, wearing a distinctive Rajput turban and armour, holding a long spear while seated upon his celebrated horse Chetak. The carefully rendered horse trappings, weaponry and costume reinforce the martial character of the portrait, while a softly painted landscape of green fields, trees and an atmospheric graduated sky creates an elegant backdrop.
Executed with visible hand-painted detailing and layered colour work, the painting has the appearance of gouache / opaque watercolour on paper, a medium strongly associated with Rajasthani and Indian miniature-style painting traditions.
The restrained composition places complete focus on the warrior and his horse, making it particularly attractive for collectors of Mewar history, Rajputana art, equestrian paintings and Indian historical portraiture.
The artwork is professionally presented with a broad dark mount inside a wooden frame, giving the painting a commanding gallery-style appearance.
Details
Subject: Maharana Pratap of Mewar
Depiction: Maharana Pratap on horseback / Chetak
Type: Original hand-painted artwork
Medium: Gouache / opaque watercolour on paper — attributed from visual examination
Style: Rajasthani / Mewar-inspired equestrian portrait
Theme: Rajput History, Warrior Portrait, Equestrian Art
Origin: India / Rajasthan style
Presentation: Mounted and framed
Marking: “M.G.O.” visible at the lower-right corner
Artist: Unidentified; I could not find a reliable published attribution for the “M.G.O.” marking
Condition: Vintage presentation with minor age-related surface marks and wear visible in photographs
Collector’s Note
Maharana Pratap equestrian imagery occupies an important place in the visual culture of Rajasthan. Historic Mewar examples commonly portray the ruler riding Chetak, often in armour with weapons and attendants. Documented works of this subject are known in gouache on paper. �
Oriental Art Auctions
Product Details
Title: Ambika
Artist: Raja Ravi Varma (oleograph print)
Medium: Oleograph on paper
Size: 14 x 20 inches
Frame: Included (decorative vintage frame)
Condition: Good vintage condition (minor wear as per age)
Signature: Bottom right (printed)
Why This Piece is Special
✔️ Iconic Ravi Varma mythological composition
✔️ Highly collectible devotional artwork
✔️ Strong cultural & decorative appeal
✔️ Rare to find in good condition with frame
Note
This is an oleograph print (not an original hand-painted artwork), but holds significant collectible value due to its association with Ravi Varma’s legendary style and Indian art history.