Image source: archive.org
A Mounted Prince Hunting Lion in A Rocky Landscape
Artist:Khem Karan
| 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). |
This Mughal miniature appears to depict a royal hunting scene, where a nobleman on horseback thrusts his spear into a tiger while attendants assist him. The composition combines action with elegance: although the scene is violent, the delicate linework, pale palette, and careful detailing create a sense of refinement rather than chaos. The towering rocks and sparse landscape reflect Persian artistic influence, while the focus on royal hunting symbolizes courage, control over nature, and aristocratic masculinity—important ideals in Mughal court culture. The painting is less about realistic wildlife combat and more about portraying the rider as disciplined, heroic, and worthy of power.
Information Compiled by
Pratham Thakkar