Artwork

Posthumous portrait of the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah (reigned 1719–1748) holding a falcon (recto)

Posthumous portrait of the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah (reigned 1719–1748) holding a falcon (recto) is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Muhammad Rizavi Hindi. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting is a posthumous portrait of Muhammad Shah, a Mughal emperor who ruled from 1719 to 1748.

About this work

Overview

This painting is a posthumous portrait of Muhammad Shah, a Mughal emperor who ruled from 1719 to 1748. It depicts him seated on a floor cushion, holding a falcon.

Subject & Meaning

The emperor's royal status is conveyed through symbolic elements: a golden halo, a luxurious carpet with lilies, and a floor cushion. These details evoke the wealth and power of the Mughal imperial past.

Technique & Style

The artist has created a sense of depth by using the carpet and border as a window sill, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. The signature in Persian is discreetly integrated into the fringed border of the carpet.

History & Provenance

The painting was created after Muhammad Shah's death, when the Mughal court was in decline. It is likely from Mughal India, possibly from Uttar Pradesh or Lucknow.