Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Mughal Emperor Akbar II in Darbar with British Resident Charles Metcalfe.
Artist:Ghulam Murtaza Khan
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | Victoria Albert Museum |
| Location History: | Ghulam Murtaza Khan painted it between 1811-1815, remained in the Royal Mughal Library. In 1962, the artwork was officially gifted to its permanent repository. During the 20th century, the painting became part of the highly regarded private art collection of William T. and Louise Taft Semple in the United States.It is housed today at the Cincinnati Art Museum located in Eden Park, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, logged under Accession Number 1962.458. The physical painting was temporarily moved to Manhattan for display at the Asia Society Museum. It was featured as a centerpiece for the acclaimed historical exhibition Princes and Painters in Mughal Delhi, 1707โ1857, co-curated by historian William Dalrymple. |
The painting demonstrates characteristic features of Mughal miniature art, including delicate brushwork, fine detailing, and careful attention to costume and ornamentation. The artist uses bright colors such as gold, red, blue, and white to create visual richness while maintaining balance within the composition. The facial expressions and individualized figures reveal Persian influences combined with an increasing interest in realism, which became a defining trait of Mughal painting. The open sky and soft clouds in the background add depth and serenity to the otherwise formal atmosphere.
Information Compiled by
Pratham Thakkar
