Tilly Kettle, 1735–1786, British, active in India (1769–76)
Title:
Shuja-ud-Daula, Nawab of Oudh
Date:
1772
Materials & Techniques:
Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
50 × 40 inches (127 × 101.6 cm)
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection
Copyright Status:
Public Domain
Accession Number:
B1976.7.48
Gallery Label:
Shuja-ud-Daula (reigned 1754–75), the nawab or governor of Awadh, was an enthusiastic patron of the arts. Intrigued by the possibilities of the European style of portraiture, he invited Kettle to his court in northern India in 1772. Kettle painted at least four portraits of Shuja, who is depicted looking boldly outward, asserting his authority. The nawab had strategically allied himself with the increasingly powerful East India Company, which allowed him to govern Awadh with relative autonomy. Company officers eager to memorialize their political alliance also commissioned portraits of the Mughal ruler from Kettle. --- Kettle meticulously captures Shuja’s luxurious winter hunting attire, from the brocaded silk to the fur hat and pelt draped across his shoulders. Near the curve of the bow in his hand, an embroidered figure on horseback reinforces the theme of the hunt. Gallery label for installation of YCBA collection, 2025
