The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), New York, USA
Location History:
Jack S. Rofe, Scotland (in 1929; sale, Sotheby's London,December 12, 1929, no. 121, to Kevorkian); [ Hagop Kevorkian, New York, from 1929]; [ Kevorkian Foundation, New York, until 1955; gift and sale to MMA]
This artwork is an example of album painting from the Shah Jahan Album. It is important to note that Murad did not paint the folio by himself. The page contains four portraits and different artists are credited for each one. The left portrait is by Balchand while the upper-right portrait of Inayat Khan is by Daulat. The portrait of Abd al-Khaliq is probably by Balchand and the right portrait of Jamal Khan Qaravul is specifically credited to Murad. Therefore for an assignment focusing on Murad the right portrait is the most important part of the folio to study.
The four portraits are arranged within a rectangular composition. Each figure stands alone against an barely decorated background allowing the viewer to focus on the sitter. The portraits demonstrate the Mughal interest in recording the appearance, clothing and social identity of people connected to the imperial court. The figures wear garments and accessories that communicate their high social status. Fine lines, facial details, precise brushwork and accurately painted costumes demonstrate the extraordinary skill of Mughal miniature painters. The use of watercolour and gold on paper also allows the artists to create details and rich decorative effects.
Murads contribution is especially interesting because his portrait represents Jamal Khan Qaravul, described as a nobleman. Through attention to the sitters face, clothing and posture Murad creates an image that communicates both individual identity and social position. The portrait shows how Mughal artists used details to represent rank and personality.
The portraits were originally produced during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1605 to 1627. Jahangir strongly encouraged portraiture and artists during his reign became particularly skilled at observing and representing characteristics. This interest in detailed portraiture continued under his successor, Shah Jahan when the paintings were later incorporated into the Shah Jahan Album.
The folio also reflects the nature of the Mughal imperial atelier. Than being the work of a single artist it brings together paintings by Balchand, Daulat and Murad. Seeing their work, on the page allows viewers to understand both the shared traditions and individual skills of Mughal painters. Overall the artwork is important because it combines achievement with historical documentation preserving the identities, status and social world of people connected to the Mughal court.
The painting "Four Portraits: (lower right) Jamal Khan Qaravul, by Murad" contains four separate portraits placed in a well-decorated rectangle. The lower-right painting depicts an individual named Jamal Khan Qaravul holding a large stick with his hand and wearing striped clothes and traditional clothing. Other three portraits show other individuals in varied postures and clothes. The artwork appeals to me due to the great detail in the way the clothing, facial expression, posture, and accessories of the individuals were done. The decorative floral pattern and subdued colors used on the background contribute to the elegance of the painting. Additionally, from the painting, one can learn about the use of portraits to document some individuals and their features. In summary, the painting contains two themes of individuality and social identity since the people are portrayed separately as well as being a part of a bigger composition.
