The Rajah Starting on a Hunt c. 1885

Edwin Lord Weeks crafted "The Rajah Starting on a Hunt," sometime before 1903, using oil on canvas. The architectural forms of the courtyard create a structured yet decorative backdrop, with arches and ornate balconies framing the scene. The soft, warm palette gives the painting an overall serene and opulent feel, while the active scene below hints at underlying tensions. Weeks' work captures a moment of transition, as the Rajah prepares to leave the protective confines of his palace. The painting sets up a visual dichotomy between the controlled space of the courtyard and the unknown wilderness beyond. The play of light and shadow across the facade creates depth, but it also flattens the architectural details, emphasizing surface over substance. The cheetahs, symbols of both wealth and the hunt, represent a break from tradition, suggesting an evolving relationship between man and nature. The interplay of these elements provides a glimpse into the complex interplay of tradition, power, and the changing landscape of the time.