Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, Maharaja of Mysore

The Maharajas of various princely states of India had for long remained the biggest patrons of artists, but a portrait of the Mysore ruler Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV is significant as he was not just another complacent royal tucked in a corner of British India. One of the richest men of the world at that time, he initiated several pathbreaking steps in his state, including technological and major engineering projects, winning praise from western philosophers and academicians. Pedersen’s access to the Mysore court to paint the ruler’s portrait speaks volumes of the fame of his skills as an artist.