Artwork
Emperor Farrukhsiyar
Emperor Farrukhsiyar is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This opaque watercolor on paper, dated 1840, portrays the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar (reigned 1712–1719) seated on an elaborate golden throne. The composition places the ruler facing right, set against a pale blue sky with a distant hill, and framed by dark blue borders edged with gold motifs.
Subject & Meaning
The emperor is shown in a white robe trimmed with gold, an orange turban, and a red sash, wearing necklaces, a jeweled armlet, and bracelets. He holds a long staff, likely a scepter, conveying authority, while a gold canopy above his head emphasizes his regal status.
Technique & Style
Executed in opaque watercolor, the work combines fine linear detail with rich, flat areas of color. Gold leaf accents on the throne, cushions, and border enhance the sense of opulence, while the overall palette of whites, oranges, reds, and blues reflects courtly portrait conventions of the period.
History & Provenance
The portrait forms part of a series of paintings of Muslim rulers. It entered the collection of the Earl of Auckland, who served as Governor‑General of India from 1836 to 1842, before being acquired by the museum.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
