Painted photograph of Udaji Rao II Pawar, Maharaja of Dhar State and his wife Lakshmi Bai

This painted portrait is identified as Udaji Rao Pawar, Maharaja of Dhar and his wife Lakshmibai. It was created in 1933.

Although black and white photography rose in popularity and acquired a mark in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Indian aristocrats sought to go a bit further to fully enjoy the medium. They ordered for their portraits to be coloured by hand, often using bold colours.Photo studios accordingly worked in collaboration with artists and developed their own styles and palettes. The resulting photographic prints would be embellished with paint, except for the face and hands.To read more on Painted photography, click here.