Artwork
Prince Alamshah Rustam with Mihr Afruz in a garden pavilion
Prince Alamshah Rustam with Mihr Afruz in a garden pavilion is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1570 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This painting shows two men seated under a floral awning in a garden. Pink and white blossoms frame the scene. One man holds a wine cup. The other grips a curved knife.
It comes from a huge book of stories called the Hamzanama. The book took years to make. Artists mixed Persian and Indian styles in each page.
This book has 1400 pictures. See it in person at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This painting, 'Prince Alamshah Rustam with Mihr Afruz in a garden pavilion', is an illustration from the Hamzanama, a multi-volume manuscript commissioned by Mughal emperor Akbar. It depicts a scene from the epic story of Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, and his descendants.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows Rustam, Hamza's son, and Mihr Afruz in a garden pavilion with attendants. One figure holds a wine cup, while the other grasps a curved knife, suggesting a narrative moment of tension or revelry.
Technique & Style
The painting blends Persian and Indian artistic styles, characteristic of Mughal art. The original borders were marbled, though they have been trimmed. Some faces have been overpainted at a later date, altering the original appearance.
History & Provenance
Work on the Hamzanama began around 1562 and took 15 years to complete. Originally containing 1400 illustrations, fewer than 200 survive today. The manuscript is a significant example of Mughal art and literature.
Artist & collection
