The Iraqi Steed Jugaldan, c. 1720, Bhavani Das, Indian, 12 1/4 x 9 5/8 in. (31.12 x 24.45 cm), Opaque watercolor on paper, India, 18th century, An inscription in Devanagari and Persian script at the top of this rare signed folio reads: 'The horse Jukaldan Ayragi with tenacious face belonging to the realm.' The painting is further inscribed in Persian script in the upper left corner: 'Work of the painter Bhavani Das.' Records show that Bhavani Das was enticed in 1719 from the Mughal court in Agra to work for Maharaja Raj Singh (r. 1706-48) in Kishangarh, where he became the most highly paid of all employees in that state. Similar to a type of animal study popular at the Mughal court, this elegant equine portrait is an early example of the pictorial style favored by the Kishangarh princes. In this depiction of a piebald stallion, Bhavani Das displays the drafting skill and refined attention to the silhouette that made his horse paintings popular.