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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1984.855
Title
Shah Abbas Receiving Khan Alam in 1618
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
18th-19th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India
Period
Mughal period
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216214

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
38.8 x 27.4 cm (15 1/4 x 10 13/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Nina Bourne
Accession Year
1984
Object Number
1984.855
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
The painting depicts Safavid Persian ruler Shah Abbas I (r. 1588-1629) receiving Mughal Ambassador Khan Alam. Shah Abbas’s head is surrounded by a large green halo with emanating golden rays, which denotes his divinely-sanctioned rule and god-on-earth status. A young attendant behind the Safavid ruler holds out a white scarf, a symbol representing Shah Abbas’s royal status. The ruler hands fruit to Khan Alam, who sits on the grass in front of Shah Abbas I.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu