Sculpture of the Day: Princess Gouramma of Coorg, 1855

Princess Gouramma of Coorg
Marocheti, 1852-55
Marble painted with watercolor
The Royal Collection

In 1852, as a display of goodwill and affection for the empire in India, Queen Victoria welcomed the daughter of the deposed Rajah of Coorg. Coorg was considered the ‘Scotland of India,’ and Victoria wanted to ensure good relations there. Princess Gouramma was presented to the Queen and Prince Albert at Buckingham Palace on June 30, 1852 where she was promptly baptized with Victoria and Albert as her godparents.


Following that bit of fun, Victoria commissioned Carlo, Baron Marocheti, to create a marble bust of the girl as she looked when presented with her crucifix. To heighten the sense of realism, the Queen had the bust painted in watercolor over the marble. The painting was completed by W.H. Millais.