The Delhi Durbar of Akbar II

Artist Delhi School

Dynasty Mughal Dynasty (India, 1526 - 1858)

Place of OriginIndia

Dateabout 1820

Dimensionspainting: 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)

Mediumpainting on ivory with carved ivory frame

ClassificationPaintings

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

2004.55

Not on View

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.

Label TextPainted on ivory and surrounded by an intricately carved ivory frame, this dazzling and detailed painting depicts the Mughal emperor Akbar II (ruled 1806–1837), seated on a peacock throne during a darbar, or royal audience, in the capital city of Delhi, India. The Mughals were a dynasty of Islamic rulers in India, originally from Central Asia. The painting would have been created to give as a presentation gift to one of the dignitaries and guests of the emperor who attended the darbar. Notice the British Resident, Sir David Ochterlony, who appears in military uniform in a position subservient to the emperor. In reality, the balance of power was just the opposite—the power of the Mughal emperors was almost at its end at the time this was painted, while the British presence in India was growing.Published ReferencesToledo Museum of Art, Toledo Museum of Art Masterworks, Toledo, 2009, p. 37, repr. (col.).Comparative ReferencesSee also E. Smart and D. Walker, Pride of the Princes: Indian Art of the Mughal Era in the Cincinnati Art Museum, 1985. (cat. #19)

See also T. Falk and M. Archer, Indian Miniatures in the India Office Library, 1981. (cat. # 227i)

See also L.Leach, Mughal and other Indian Paintings from the Chester Beatty Library, Vol. II, p.812.