The Great Exhibition: India no. I
By Joseph Nash (1809-1878)
1851
Watercolour and bodycolour over pencil

Commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

Many countries had dedicated areas at the Great Exhibition. This watercolour by Joseph Nash shows an exotic tented space in the India section. Clearly visible in the centre is the ivory and jewel-encrusted throne and that was presented to Queen Victoria by the Maharaja of Travancore. When the Queen became Empress of India in 1876 she chose to be shown seated on this throne for the official photograph.

Initialled and dated: J. N. 1851

Source : Royal Collections