Painted Photograph of Highness Maharaja George Jivaji Rao Scindia of Gwalior

In this painted photograph of Jiwaji Rao Scindia of Gwalior (r.1925-1948), one can notice how the backdrop has been painted over the picture. Here, the setting is that of a European garden. Some rudimentary architecture is in place, but the rest of the space is left blank. Look closer at the young prince’s face, and you can see traces of the original photo appearing under the paint that’s peeling off.

Read the Sarmaya Guide to Painted Photography here.