A Portrait of a Noble and two Princes

This painting is an incredibly beautiful late Mughal miniatures painted in 1745 by the court painter Nidha Mal. It depicts a portrait of a noble and Two Princes. This painting is an opaque watercolour with gold on paper and was painted during the 18 th century. The image consists of the figure of a nobleman or high ranking official from nobility in profile. He is leaning on a pole and has his left to the viewer. The man wears a beautifully pleated white robe that reaches to the floor. A decorative gold embroidered sash ties around his waist. His shoes are decorated. In front of him there are two young princes with their hands clasped in respect. They both wear stylised patterned robes, one has darker flecks. They are ordered from shortest to tallest to demonstrate their position within the court. Behind the main nobleman there is a courtier or attendant. He is wearing the same flowing white robe as the main figure. He is watching the scene and holds something to do with the structure or flywhisk. This image, like many others painted by Nidha Mal during Emperor Muhammad Shah's rule, features a low white railing. This has divided the image into sections. There is a thick heavily structured woodland in the distance with a variety of green trees and palm trees. Above the thick canopy of leaves there is a large sky. The sky is incredibly colourful with an amazing sunset. There are streaks of orange, pink and pale blue clouds. This painting is an example of the 'Muhammad Shahi Revival' style. It has a very strict geometric perspective, cold feel, clean lines and incredible attention to detail with the translucence of the clothing.