Capturing Wild Elephants

ca. 1960-62, likely purchased in India* by Earnest and Jane Werner Watson (Santa Barbara, CA); 1969, gifted to the Elvehjem Art Center [now called Chazen Museum of Art].   *General donor file contains correspondence from Mrs. Watson stating that she and Mr. Watson’s collection of Indian art and artifacts was begun and amassed while living in New Delhi between 1960 and 1962; however, specific acquisition information is not documented.

• Elvehjem Art Center. "Indian Miniature Painting: The Collection of Earnest C. Watson & Jane Werner Watson." Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1971. no. 23
• Vajracharya, Gautam V. "Watson Collection of Indian Miniatures at the Elvehjem Museum of Art." Madison: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 2002. no. 19

• Delight in Design: Indian Silver for the Raj: Chazen Museum of Art, 7/25/2009–10/4/2009
• Indian Miniature Painting: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 9/8/1975–9/26/1975
• Title unknown [50 Indian miniature paintings]: University of Wisconsin-Stout, 10/15/1974–11/1/1974
• Indian Miniature Painting: The Collection of Earnest C. and James Werner Watson: Elvehjem Art Center, 10/29/1971–1/2/1972

• Asia
• Jane Werner Watson Collection
• Alt Text Accessible
• Miniature Paintings & Manuscripts

The Chazen Museum of Art welcomes comments or inquiries about works in our collection. Please allow two–three weeks for a response. Chazen staff is not able to provide valuations or authentications and such inquiries cannot be answered.