The Delhi Durbar of Akbar II
Artist: Delhi School
Dynasty: Mughal Dynasty (India, 1526 - 1858)
Date: about 1820
Dimensions:
painting: 14 5/8 x 10 7/8 in. (37.1 x 27.6 cm)
framed: 18 1/4 x 14 1/2 in. (46.4 x 36.8 cm)
Medium: painting on ivory with carved ivory frame
Place of Origin: India
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 2004.55
Label Text:Painted on ivory and surrounded by an intricately carved ivory frame, this dazzling Indian miniature depicts the second-to-last of the Mughal emperors, Akbar II (ruled 1806-1837), seated upon a peacock throne within a golden pavilion at his audience hall in Delhi. The painting represents an image of Mughal power and the resplendence of Akbar's court, with sumptuous costumes, bejeweled throne, luxurious textiles, and inlayed and gilded columns and arches. The occasion is a durbar, an imperial audience or state reception where it was the duty of all officials to appear (see also p. 35), including the emperor's sons-the future Bahadur Shah, the last Mughal emperor, stands on Akbar's right and Mirza Jahangir on his left. Also depicted in the audience is the British Resident, Sir David Ochterlony (1758-1825), easily identified by his military bicorne hat.
The scene likely took place in 1820 during the tenure of Ochterlony, who served as the British Resident of Delhi from 1818-22. Despite the declining power of the Mughal emperors and the increasing influence of the British in India, this painting depicts the British dignitary in a position subservient to the emperor.
Paintings like this one commemorating state functions were produced in the court school of painters, led by the master painter Ghulam Murtaza Khan, as souvenirs presented to high dignitaries and the emperor's guests at the durbar.
The scene likely took place in 1820 during the tenure of Ochterlony, who served as the British Resident of Delhi from 1818-22. Despite the declining power of the Mughal emperors and the increasing influence of the British in India, this painting depicts the British dignitary in a position subservient to the emperor.
Paintings like this one commemorating state functions were produced in the court school of painters, led by the master painter Ghulam Murtaza Khan, as souvenirs presented to high dignitaries and the emperor's guests at the durbar.
DescriptionThis object is an Indian miniature painting on ivory that depicts the Mughal emperor Akbar II on the Peacock throne during a darbar, or royal audience, in his capital city of Delhi.
Not on view
In Collection(s)