Indian Antiquities

Fath Ali Shah and his twenty-two sons, Artist Unknown, Oil on Board, 11’8” x 17’1”

Location: Ashok Mandap

Fath Ali (1797-1834) is represented in a forward thrust with eyes directed towards the observer even as his black beard flows backwards. He is seen mounted on a horse, killing a lion with his lance surrounded by his twenty two sons. His sons are shown hunting deers around him.

A henna chromed horse imparts eminence to the king. His black garb and long brown knee-length boots shows the artist’s attention to detail. This composition is conceived amidst minimal landscape with trees sprouting at calculated points and blue grey sky receding in distant background.

The brilliance is emphasised further by motifs encased with gold and semi precious stones on costumes and thrones of all twenty three figures. The animals are also enveloped within splendid ornamentation. Contouring with red and black draperies, the colour scheme attributes serenity.

With all his sons seated atop bejewelled horses in forward motion, this work of art represents grandeur. It also entices observers with its intense energy.