Hawking Portrait of Emperor Jahangir and a Page
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | British Museum |
| Location History: | Created in the Mughal imperial workshop in India during Jahangir’s reign |
This double portrait serves as a sophisticated Mughal court dynastic legitimacy with an imperial persona. The depiction of two figures could be considered a manifesto of a great Mughal lineage. Further, this miniature work could be considered as an example of shikarkhana (hunting department), the general Mughal practice, which was one of the identities of Mughals. Also, in terms of artistic refinement, the rendering of the falcon reflects the strong study of naturalism during the Mughal period. Further, the intricate detailing of parkas (sashes) is also a master's work. At last, I could conclude that this miniature holds a strong message of stable governance, which the Mughals practised. Hence, Mughal miniature serves as a visual archive of imperial authority with cultural synthesis and strong observation of the natural world.