Aqa Riza Haravi one of the finest artist in the field of miniature paintings was under the royal patronage of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. He migrated from the Safavid Empire in Persia to the Indian Subcontinent.
The above given art work is titled as the Portrait of Mirza Muhammad Hakim, ruler of Kabul, Ananda Coomaraswamy one the prominent art historian made a comment about it that this portrait was that of Jahangir. This is a portrait of Mirza Muhammad Hakim who was the half brother of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Muhammad Hakim used to be Farrukh Husain patron until his death in the year 1585. This portrait was painted before Muhammad Hakim left to Kabul for the Mughal court.
Aqa Riza is not mentioned in the list of those artist under Akbar's court at Rawalpindi. He was under the court of Jahangir. He earned the title of Khanzada. Riza worked in his own manner while there are some similarities between him and Farrukh Husain, it has been suggested that they were actually friends. One of the similarities is Riza's post Bijapuri manner which he adopted from Farrukh.
The portrait looks really quiet for an image of a royal figure. Mirza Muhammad Hakim is shown alone beneath a tree without obvious symbol of power. This simplicity makes the painting personal than political. The calmness of his posture and surrounding creates a sense of stillness. The delicate branches frame the figure with its soft presence. This portrait doesn't feels like a celebration of rank but an intimate observation of a ruler.
