Nawab Mohammad Ali Khan Bahadur (1881-1947) of Malerkotla, Punjab

The Bourne & Shepherd studio is largely regarded as being among the oldest commercial photo studios globally. Several distinguished portraits by the studio are found in major palaces throughout India, and this magnificent portrait of Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan Bahadur of Malerkotla is added to this oeuvre as well. The grand painting, bearing the studio’s name at the lower left corner, is a tour de force reinforcing the image of an Eastern potentate down to his extravagant turquoise sock-clad feet. While the plethora of jewels could appear fantastical, we are soon disabused of the fact when a photograph, ostensibly taken post-1915 (when he was awarded the K.C.S.I. pinned on his tunic), shows Ahmad Ali Khan in the same pose, adorned in an identical ensemble, with jewels and an upholstered chair. His state within Punjab is remembered for its incredible peaceful conduct during India’s traumatic Partition. The vicissitudes of time have not dimmed the allure of the portrait.