Mughal Emperor Akbar II in Darbar with British Resident Charles Metcalfe.
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

Mughal Emperor Akbar II in Darbar with British Resident Charles Metcalfe.

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, 1707โ€“1857, 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.

Share By: Ananya Gupta
Information Compiled by Pratham Thakkar
Refresh
My Conversations
×

Login required to view or send messages

If you'd like to contact the admin, you can call +91 88998 41647 or email admin@oaklores.com.
Alternatively, log in to start a chat with the admin instantly

Login to Proceed