A Royal Picnic on a Terrace

c. 1620

attributed to Muhammad Ali

(Persian, active 1590–1620)

Culture

Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

Medium

Gum tempera and gold on paper

Measurements

Overall: 23.4 x 14.6 cm (9 3/16 x 5 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of J. H. Wade 1920.1966

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

A gentleman connoisseur has tucked a flowering sprig into his voluminous turban.

Description

A richly patterned carpet spans the width of the composition and forms the setting for a royal visit. The status of the highest-ranking person is indicated by the tan cloth placed over the carpet and the voluminous wine-colored cushion ornamented with stylized gold clouds. An attendant holding an emblem of Indian royalty, the fly whisk, stands to one side.

At the far right of the carpet are two books, indicating that they are learned men. Like the carpet, the book covers have central medallions and borders, in line with the Persian aesthetic that the Mughals of India held in high regard.