Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Princess Gouramma of Coorg, 1855

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

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. 

As one does.

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.  

Doesn't she look thrilled?  

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.

Here's the Princess looking equally as excited in a photo by Fenton.
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image via the Royal Collection Trust
Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II