Maharaja Anup Singh of Bikaner (reigned 1669–98) Receives a Courtier

Also known as: Raja Anup Singh (r. 1669-98) receives a courtier

About the Artwork

Ruknuddin is one of the most celebrated artists of the Bikaner painting atelier. His exquisite mastery of brushwork and portraiture can be noted even in the spontaneity of an informal study. From the same illustrious family of Bikaner artists, he was a second cousin of Nur Muhammad, who created the portrait drawing of Maharaja Rai Singh of Bikaner (1987.1100).

Inscriptions

Top: in Persian: 'dast-i ustā rukn al-dīn’ ‘eīn tasvīr māhārājā anūp siṃgh jīva’ ‘rabsh (?) khvās ado rām’; Verso: in Nagari: 'dastakata uste rukanadīna jī rā chai’

Exhibition history

Paintings of Bikaner – Indian Gallery 242 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (November 7, 2019-April 5, 2020).

Quick Overview

Artist: Ruknuddin (Indian, active c. 1666–97)
Date: c. 1690
Medium: Ink and gum tempera on paper
Dimensions: Page: 25 x 18.3 cm (9 13/16 x 7 3/16 in.); Miniature: 20 x 14.3 cm (7 7/8 x 5 5/8 in.)
Type: Painting
Classification: Painting
Department: Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Credit line: Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
Accession no.: 2018.191

Data retrieved from the Cleveland Museum of Art on October 8, 2026. The museum may have updated its record since.