Shah Abbas Receiving Khan Alam in 1618
Indian
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.
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Mughal period