The Delhi Darbar of Akbar II.
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | Unknown |
| Location History: | 1811 created by Ghulam Murtaza Khan, remained in the Royal Mughal Library. By 1920s the artwork was acquired by the British and entered the British art market. On March 2001, it was actioned through Christie\'s Art Sale. As of now the current Location is not public, might be in a private collection, can be traced through Christie\'s sale. |
This painting of Ghulam Murtaza, shows the royal court of Akbar II. The emperor is sitting on a throne under a golden canopy, with two peacocks on top. The Emperor is the center of the painting. The light around him that reminds us of the special power of the Mughal emperors hold. The peacock designs on the canopy make us think of the Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan. What I admire about this painting is how balanced and symmetrical it looks. The princes and the courtiers are all around the emperorsort off surrounding him. Every detail is taken care of, from the clothes to the jewelry and decorations. It all looks very rich and luxurious. It does not overwhelm the look of it. If you look closely, the background makes the entire court appear to be calm and composed. The light blue background helps us focus on the emperor and his court. This picture does not feel like it is trying to show off the emperors power. Instead it shows the memory of an empire that is fading away. This Mughal miniature painting is a way to remember the Mughal empire and its royal court, like the imperial darbar of the Badshah.
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