Artwork

One of six figures from the Mughal emperor's ceremonial procession on the occasion of the Id

One of six figures from the Mughal emperor's ceremonial procession on the occasion of the Id, by Mazhar Ali Khan, paint, 1840
One of six figures from the Mughal emperor's ceremonial procession on the occasion of the Id, by Mazhar Ali Khan, paint, 1840

One of six figures from the Mughal emperor's ceremonial procession on the occasion of the Id is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Mazhar Ali Khan. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting is one of six depicting a ceremonial procession of the Mughal emperor during the Id festival, created around 1840.

About this work

Overview

This painting is one of six depicting a ceremonial procession of the Mughal emperor during the Id festival, created around 1840.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows an ornate, empty sedan chair carried by nine men and accompanied by attendants, one holding a sunshade, indicating the presence of the queen or high-ranking ladies.

Technique & Style

The work exemplifies Company Painting, a style blending traditional Indian artistry with Western techniques and conventions, produced for European patrons in India.

History & Provenance

Attributed possibly to Mazhar Ali Khan, it dates to the reign of Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor, who ruled from 1838 to 1858.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Mazhar Ali Khan

Artist

Mazhar Ali Khan

Mazhar Ali Khan was a late-Mughal era, 19th century painter from Delhi, working in the Company style of post-Mughal painting under Western influence.