Portraits in Princely India: 1700-1900

Author: Rosie Llewellyn-Jones

Publisher: Marg Publications (2008)

Binding: Hardcover, 132 pages

Buy from Amazon

Another princely India volume makes one wonder when an album of unknown Indians from the 19th century will be published. An album of assorted types without name, pedigree and other enticements for a photographer, no chance of controlling the outcome.

This volume is edited by Rose Llewellyn Jones, whose Lucknow photography and history books like A Fatal Friendship: The Nawabs, the British and the City of Lucknow are among the best around. Emaciated by British rule, the princes and princesses were resplendent as ever when frozen by an artist's portrait. Unfortunately, the luxury of the images helps make the book slightly over-produced. For example, the opening pages for each essay feature white text on gold pages. The fonts are over-stylized.

Fortunately the engaging essays are by real experts. These include Sophie Gordon, who covers the many types of photography made of the princely caste.

The images are excellent. Many are new. There is a nice attempt to bring together the multiple historical strands that went into this type of image.

Usha Bala Krishnan writes possibly the best essay. It traces how jewels gradually evolved into baubles for their grand wearers.

She also starts her essay with a story that is so good, it is worth repeating:

A woman decided to have her portrait painted. She told the painter of the commission:

"Paint me wearing diamond rings, a diamond necklace, emerald bracelets, a ruby brooch, and a gold Rolex."

"But you aren't wearing any of those things," the painter replied.

"I know," the woman said. "It's in case I should die before my husband. I'm sure he will remarry right away, and I want his new wife to go crazy looking for the jewellery."