Muhammad Ismail was one of the important military commanders in Mughal empire. He was known by title Zulfiqar Khan. He was the son of Aurangzeb's wazir Asad Khan. Zulfikar Khan standing in a side profile against a plain green background which draws the attention entirely to the figure. He is shown holding a sword.
Artist Nanha captured the details of the textiles. Zulfiqar wears a white jama, decorated with floral motifs and richly embroidered patka. his turban is elaborately patterned which shown his elite status.
He is identified by the inscription written on the green background to the left of the portrait. The inscription also records artist Nanha. A second inscription below praises Zulfiqar Khan as unsurpassed in his skills in archery and describes him as one of the emperor's most faithful servants.
The surrounding illumination is itself a remarkable work of art. The finely painted gold floral border.
Zulfiqar Khan Nanha is an artist who works as if “from the heart to the details”: in his works one can feel the desire not just to depict, but to convey mood and meaning through color, composition and subtle observation. His style is usually perceived as attentive to tradition and at the same time personal in manner - he knows how to frame the frame so that the viewer lingers with his gaze and wants to understand what exactly the author wanted to say.
