Falcon
1770
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1770
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Falcon is a 1770 unspecified by Unknown, a Mughal Painting work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
You see a peregrine falcon perched on a wooden stand, tied with thin cords and tiny bells. This bird wasn’t just a pet—it was a status symbol. Mughal royalty and local rulers in the Pahari kingdoms kept trained falcons for hunting. The painting was likely made for someone powerful, meant to show off their prized bird. The details are sharp: the feathers, the leather straps, even the way the light hits the bird’s eye. If you like this, look up more paintings from northern India, Pahari kingdoms.
The imperial Mughal practice of keeping portraits of animals was adopted by art patrons and collectors in small states and kingdoms under the umbrella of the Mughals. Falconry, the sport of hunting small game with a bird of prey, was a popular activity among the highest ranks of Mughal royalty. The falcon depicted in this painting appears to be a peregrine. Cords with bells keep the trained hunting bird tethered to its roost.
Indian artists used white-out, white paint, to cover mistakes and make changes.
Read the full account in the museum source.
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