The painting resides at a private art collection through Sotheby\'s Auction House.
Mushfiq was a painter in the Mughal atelier during the 17th century and was known for his paintings from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata in the Mughal versions. Mushfiq worked for Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan. He mostly depicted court scenes and scenes from the life of the royal family members.
"A Mughal Prince smoking a long pipe seated in an interior with attendants and a child" is an excellent example of his exceptional talent. The painting depicts a prince smoking a long pipe while sitting on a yellow cushion with bright red and green embroidery on it with an attendant standing behind him with a fly whisk in his hand to fan the prince, another attendant slightly older can be seen reading probably a message to him as we can see holding out a white scroll and next to him sits another attendant holding the middle section of the long smoking pipe and something in the tongs of his other hand, viewers can also spot a child next to the prince holding a bow and arrow in his hands. In front of the prince one can spot a pandan, a wine glass and some other things probably related to smoking. A few books can be seen scattered around the side of the prince and some on the shelf near a closed door, showing his interest in reading.
Mushfiq has used a bright palette for his painting, paying a lot of attention to every tiny detail of the everyone's clothing who is present in the scene revealing his deep observation. He has painted the surrounding background and foreground very beautifully with intricate wall designs and a small garden in the front. The wall has beautiful mughal motifs and so do all the carpets in the frame. Mushfiq has used a wide range of colours like yellow, green, red, lavender, and white with a tinge of pink.
The overall composition of the painting is eye-catching and shows how keen observant Mushfiq was for painting the tiniest details which also reveals his love for his work. In all true sense one can say that Mughal paintings aren't just beautiful, but also reveal an entire story through them.
The composition is carefully divided into three visual zones. In the foreground, a small garden creates a decorative transition into the scene. The middle ground focuses on the prince, seated comfortably on an ornate yellow cushion while smoking a long pipe. His attendants surround him, one reading from a scroll, another assisting with the pipe, and a third standing behind with a fly whisk. A child holding a bow and arrow adds a lively element. Books, vessels, a pandan, and other objects are scattered around the prince, suggesting leisure, learning, and courtly life. In the background, detailed Mughal architecture, carpets, doors, and patterned walls establish an elegant interior. Mushfiq’s bright colours, intricate textiles, and precise detailing create a vivid record of royal life.
