Artwork Page for Falcon

Details / Information for Falcon

Falcon

c. 1770

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

Medium
Gum tempera and gold on paper
Measurements
Image: 27.6 x 16 cm (10 7/8 x 6 5/16 in.); Overall: 31.6 x 19.8 cm (12 7/16 x 7 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1968.42
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Indian artists used white-out, white paint, to cover mistakes and make changes.

Description

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.
A vertically oriented tempera and gold painting depicts a dark gray falcon perched on a wooden T-stand, facing left against a plain beige background. The bird has a white breast marked with thin gray bars, a sharp beak, and bright yellow eyes and legs. Red cords are tied around its talons. Multiple thin red and gold border lines frame the composition, which shows slight stains and wear from age.

Falcon

c. 1770

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

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