Portrait of Ibrahim 'Adil Shah II of Bijapur

This Portrait of Ibrahim Adil Shah II was painted by Hashim, who was a famous painter at the Mughal Court. He was noteworthy for his portraits of prominent political figures, including Malik Ambar of Ahmednagar, Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur and the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, whom he painted standing on a globe in 1629. He also painted two detailed portraits of Aurangzeb. Hashim’s career trajectory is debated among scholars. Some believe he worked at the Deccan sultanate courts (Ahmadnagar and Bijapur) until 1620 before joining the Mughal court under Jahangir and Shah Jahan. This view is supported by his early portraits of Deccani figures, which display knowledge of their court styles. However, others argue that these portraits highlight Hashim’s focus on clothing details rather than facial features, suggesting he used descriptions and visual references rather than having first-hand experience of the Deccan courts. This Portrait is one of the most celebrated paintings of the Deccani School of Art. It has strong contours, costume details, and palette that are considered to be vestiges of Hashim’s Deccani origins. His detailed Mughal portrayal of facial features reflects changes made under Jahangir's influence. It is executed in ink, gouache, and gold on paper, measuring 38.9 × 25.4 cm. There is also calligraphy on the verso by the celebrated Persian calligrapher Mir 'Ali Haravi. Ibrahim Adil Shah II is shown standing in strict profile, leaning upon a long sword, wearing long plain robes, a jewelled turban, and a sash. The composition conveys the sultan's regal authority.