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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1999.293
People
Attributed to Govardhan, Indian
Title
Khan ‘Alam, Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s Falconer and His Ambassador to Iran, with a Sparrow Hawk
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
c. 1610-1620
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India
Period
Mughal period
Culture
Mughal
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/217081

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
31.2 x 23.9 cm (12 5/16 x 9 7/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Stuart Cary Welch, Jr.
Accession Year
1999
Object Number
1999.293
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Khan 'Alam was the Mughal Emperor Jahangir's (r. 1605-1627) ambassador to Iran as well as his chief falconer. Here, he stands outdoors with a sparrow hawk perched on his gloved right hand. Red jesses connect the bird of prey to Khan 'Alam's sash. In his left hand, Khan 'Alam clutches onto a small bird, which serves as bagged game, previously caught prey which is either served to the raptor or used in its training.

Publication History

  • Milo Cleveland Beach and Stuart Cary Welch, The Grand Mogul: Imperial Painting in India, 1600-1660, exh. cat., Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute (Williamstown, MA, 1978), Page 120, 122/Figure 42
  • Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity (London, Thames & Hudson, 2021)., pp. 298-299, no. 28

Exhibition History

  • The Sport of Kings: Art of the Hunt in Iran and India, Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, 01/22/2005 - 06/26/2005

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be 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