Raja Balwant Singh (early to mid 18th century) of Jasrota at his palace, in the punjab hills, popularly known today as Himachal Pradesh. Nainsukh, the painter (c.1710-78) was at the service of Balwant Singh for several decades and an unusual camaraderie sprung between the two. Nainsukh is known to have recorded his patron across several paintings, at work, at leisure and while traveling. Here the young nobleman is seen watching the approaching monsoon clouds. The image has been dated to 1751 and is at the Indian Museum, Kolkata.
BN Goswamy the noted art historian and an acknowledged scholar on the life and work of Nainsukh comments that “Nainsukh captures, with dazzling brevity, a precise mood, a moment”.
Published – Nainsukh of Guler: A great Indian painter from a small hill state by BN Goswamy. Niyogi Books, 2011, New Delhi.