Rafi-U'ddaula
1840
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1840
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
A man sits on a richly decorated throne, holding a curved instrument like a lute. He wears a white robe with gold trim and a red turban, and his throne has red cushions and gold patterns. Above him, a golden canopy with tassels frames his head like a halo. The background is a plain blue wall, and the edges of the painting are packed with detailed floral designs in red, gold, and black. The man’s face glows softly, almost like light from behind. This effect was often used to make figures look holy or powerful. Look up *chiaroscuro* next to see how this lighting trick works.
