Who painted Hamza receives an envoy of Qitanush Shah?

Hamza receives an envoy of Qitanush Shah was painted by Unknown in 1570.

Where can I see Hamza receives an envoy of Qitanush Shah?

Hamza receives an envoy of Qitanush Shah is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Hamza receives an envoy of Qitanush Shah?

Hamza receives an envoy of Qitanush Shah is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

Hamza receives an envoy of Qitanush Shah

Unknown , 1570

Hamza receives an envoy of Qitanush Shah is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1570 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This painting shows a man in a red turban sitting on a green cushion. He faces three men in long robes who bow with their hands raised.

It’s from the Hamzanama, a huge set of stories Akbar ordered. Artists turned these tales into 1400 colorful pictures. The colors stay bright after 450 years.

Look for the rest of the Hamzanama at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This painting is one of the surviving illustrations from the Hamzanama, a multi-volume manuscript commissioned by Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The work depicts a scene from the epic story of Hamza, a character loosely based on the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows Hamza receiving an envoy from Qitanush Shah, who requests his aid against the 'farangis' or Franks. The scene is set with Hamza seated on a green cushion, facing the envoy, who bows with hands raised.

Technique & Style

The Hamzanama illustrations, including this painting, are characterized by their vivid colors, which have remained relatively bright despite the passage of time. The work is executed in a style typical of Mughal painting, with intricate details and a focus on narrative storytelling.

History & Provenance

Work on the Hamzanama began around 1562 and took 15 years to complete. Originally, the manuscript contained 1400 illustrations, but fewer than 200 survive today. This painting is now part of a collection, with other Hamzanama illustrations held at the Victoria and Albert Museum.