Artwork
A blindfolded suitor is brought before a princess (recto)
A blindfolded suitor is brought before a princess (recto) is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Fayzullah. It dates from 1755 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting depicts a scene from a narrative where a princess selects her suitor, set within the women's quarters of a palace.
- Accession no.
- 2013.343.a
- Credit line
- Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts a scene from a narrative where a princess selects her suitor, set within the women's quarters of a palace.
Subject & Meaning
A blindfolded young prince is led before a princess holding a document by an older woman, evoking both literary and contemporary allusions to power dynamics.
History & Provenance
The artwork is signed and dated by its creator, situating its production during a period of turmoil at the Mughal court, shortly after the blinding and deposition of Ahmad Shah Bahadur in 1754.
Context
At the time of its creation, powerful women exerted significant influence over the Mughal emperor, particularly during the reign of weak rulers.
Artist & collection
