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Shah Alam II

Unknown

1770

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Mughal Painting Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Shah Alam II is a 1770 paint by Unknown, a Mughal Painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1770 · Mughal Painting
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

The painting shows Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor, sitting on a golden throne. He has a small parasol above him and a halo around his head. The emperor's ministers and courtiers surround him, with three princes facing the throne. This painting is interesting because it shows the strict hierarchy of the Mughal court. The placement of the figures in relation to the ruler represents their status. To learn more about the use of light and dark in this painting, look into the technique of chiaroscuro.

The story of this work

Overview

The painting, rendered in opaque watercolour and gold on paper, depicts Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II seated on a golden throne during a darbar held in Delhi around 1770. A green-clad minister stands before him, while courtiers and princes gather around, their positions reflecting the strict hierarchy of the Mughal court. Shah Alam is distinguished by a small parasol and a halo above his head, symbols of his royal authority. The scene is set within a richly decorated pavilion featuring marble inlay, intricate carpets, and verses above and below the composition.

Read the full account in the museum source.