Mana Lalji, ca. 1860

The inscription on this painting indicates that it is a portrait of a young gentleman named Mana Lalji. He stands in profile under a decorated archway, wearing a white robe and blue turban with gold ornaments, as well as gold necklaces and ear ornaments. Barefoot, he holds a string of red prayer beads in one hand, while the other forms a gesture of welcome and comfort. Under his right arm he clutches a white cloth with red decoration. This painting deftly combines the traditional Indian profile portrait with a softer line and more naturalistic shading techniques, both of which were introduced from Europe. The result gives a gentle roundness to Lalji’s face and hands, which stand in contrast to the flatly rendered background, carpet, and arch.