The present painting is certainly among the finest examples of late 19^th century Pahari painting, a period that was notedly veering away from traditional court painting in favor of Company styles. The work is rich in color and detail, particularly to the manicured gardens and intricately detailed golden architecture.
Another work by Ghathu Ram, of a mythical ruler entertained by a female juggler, is in the collection of the San Diego Museum of Art (Edwin Binney 3^rd collection, acc. no. 1990.1258) . The two works are similar in their fine, classical miniature execution, yet modern, vibrant colors. Five paintings from the same series as the Binney collection example all sold at Sotheby’s London, 20 April 1970, lots 220-224. All have been signed by Ghattu Ram, although are attributed to an unidentified series, circa 1870. The present painting fits with the Sotheby’s work based on stylistic similarities, size, and border, although it is identified by inscription as a work from a Madhavanala Kamakandala series and dated 1893.
According to Karl Khandalavala Ghattu Ram worked at the court of the Maharajahs Shamsher Singh (r. 1826-1877) and Jai Singh (r. 1878-1884) of Guler (see Pahari Miniature Painting, Bombay, 1958, p. 329). At the time of writing, Khandalavala was aware of two signed paintings by Ghathu Ram in the Guler Royal Collection.