Elephant Under a Tree
Attributed to Shaykh Taju
Indian
The painting depicts a large elephant under a tree. Its trunk curls upward as it brushes its only tusk against a branch. Its mouth is agape, and its feet appear to be in movement. The elephant might be in musth, which is a periodic condition in bull elephants, characterized by highly aggressive behavior due the increase in testosterone levels. Rajput Style, Kota School.
Ink and opaque watercolor on paper; Rajput Style, Kota School