This impressive painting by Raja Ravi Varma captures the reception accorded to the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos by the Maharaja of Travancore, His Highness Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma. Maharaja Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma succeeded his elder brother, Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma. Painted in January 1881, little did Ravi Varma know that after this painting, the artist would be considered persona non-grata by the Maharaja. The rejection by the Maharaja propelled Ravi Varma outside the Travancore Kingdom eventually making him an Indian artist instead of a 'Court artist' who's fortune and reputation would be as uneasy as the head which wears a crown.