Page from a Sketchbook Showing Rulers on Horseback, Boars, and a Palace Scene 1767 - 1799

This page from a sketchbook showing rulers on horseback, boars, and a palace scene was created by Pandit Seu. The work offers us an intimate glimpse into the artistic process within a specific cultural and historical context. The sketch probably originates from a region in India where equestrian prowess and royal imagery were potent symbols of power and authority. The boars, often associated with hunting, could represent royal pastimes and the control over natural resources. The loose composition suggests a spontaneous recording of observations, however we should be attentive to the politics of imagery. Even in a sketch, the artist makes choices that reflect or reinforce social hierarchies. To fully understand this work, one could investigate the patronage system within the local courts, the role of the artist in shaping perceptions of power, and the symbolism of animals in Indian art and literature. The meaning of this sketch is contingent on its social and institutional context, offering insights into the world in which it was created.