Hyder Ally
Original title: Hyder Ally
kurzbeschreibung
On 13 June 1781 James Gillray issued a stipple engraving of Hyder Ally, ruler of Mysore, presented as a dignified figure. The stance is deliberately formal and puts his military role first, with the sword and the gesture of the hand doing the work.
Description
A traditional headdress, an elaborately embroidered waistcoat and long trousers make up the sitter's dress. A sword rests across his shoulder while his right hand points forward. Behind him, dark clouds and trees appear only vaguely. An oval frame encloses the portrait; beneath it are the name 'Hyder Ally' in capitals, a signature and publication details.
Context
The portrait dates from the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–1784), when Hyder Ally was fighting the British East India Company. Gillray, better known for his caricatures, here draws a serious picture of an opponent regarded as a threat. The date of 13 June 1781 falls in a period when the British press reported heavily on Mysore.
Impact
Careful execution gives the sheet a documentary gravity. Authority and readiness to fight are emphasized by the pose with the sword and the outstretched hand. The dark background draws the eye to the figure and creates a serious, almost dramatic mood.
Technique
Fine rows of dots build the stipple engraving's effect, allowing soft tonal gradations and precise detail, especially in fabrics and facial features. The sheet measures 20.4 x 18.2 cm, the image area 15.1 x 12.4 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)