Portrait of Colonel Ranabir Singh Thapa - Bhajuman Chitrkar

A 19th-century Nepalese court portrait of Colonel Ranabir Singh Thapa, blending traditional techniques with European-influenced composition.

This portrait depicts Colonel Ranabir Singh Thapa, a figure of the Nepalese court, seated in a formal interior. The work is attributed to Bhajuman Chitrkar, a painter active in the mid-19th century who served the Rana dynasty. The composition reflects the influence of European portraiture, which reached the Kathmandu Valley through diplomatic exchanges and colonial contact. The Colonel sits in a European-style chair, dressed in a military uniform that blends traditional Nepalese elements with Western-inspired epaulettes and tailoring. A curved sword rests at his side, signifying his rank and martial status.

To the left, two smaller figures are positioned, likely attendants or family members, rendered in a scale that suggests a hierarchical arrangement common in traditional court painting. The background features a window looking out onto a maritime scene, a stylistic device often found in British colonial portraiture of the era. The interior includes a wooden cabinet and draped curtains, adding a sense of domestic luxury. The entire scene is framed by a wide, decorative border featuring repeating floral motifs in muted blues, reds, and gold, which provides a contrast to the more naturalistic treatment of the central figures.

Bhajuman Chitrkar was known for his ability to synthesise local artistic traditions with the new visual languages introduced by Western visitors. His work captures the specific aesthetic of the mid-19th century Nepalese elite, who sought to project power and modernity through these hybrid visual forms. The application of gold leaf and the precise, fine-lined execution of the garments demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship associated with the royal workshops of the period. This print preserves the delicate colour palette and the detailed ornamentation of the original paper surface.