A Mounted Prince Hunting Lion in A Rocky Landscape
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Tempera |
| Current Location: | Cleveland Museum of Art |
| Location History: | In c.1600, created by Khem Karan in the Imperial Mughal Court Workshop for Emperor Akbar\'s royal library albums. By the 17th till the 19th Century, it was scattered from the central royal collection into regional aristocratic and Rajput kingdoms due to political instability. In 20th Century, it was transferred from private Indian holdings into the international art market, passing through private collectors and dealers. From 2013 to Present, Acquired as part of the permanent collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art (Accession No. 2013.310). |
Khemkaran’s drawing, "A Mounted Prince Hunting Lion in a Rocky Landscape", made with Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paperb shows a prince hunting a lion. Strikes a strong blow at the lion. The prince's horse is moving fast one leg bent, to stop the lion. The prince is very calm and noble. The attendant looks worried. This shows how the prince is in charge. The prince and lion are the focus with empty space around them. This empty space suggests the drawing was a study to plan the positions and space. The scene is like stories from Persia about heroes. The fight is not chaotic, but a test of the prince’s bravery. There is a shepherd with his sheep in the background, which represents peace and order. The prince’s bravery is meant to keep the peace. Khemkaran uses lines and details to show hunting and ruling, as important acts. These acts are part of Iran and the Near East’s culture. The prince and his horse are strong. The lion is fierce. The prince’s actions will bring peace.
Sources:
Loading Interpretations....