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Two Elephants Fighting in a Courtyard Before Muhammad Shah, c. 1730-40. Creator: Nainsukh (Indian
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Two Elephants Fighting in a Courtyard Before Muhammad Shah, c. 1730-40. Creator: Nainsukh (Indian
Two Elephants Fighting in a Courtyard Before Muhammad Shah, c. 1730-40. The Mughal emperor responsible for a revival of courtly arts and pastimes was Muhammad Shah (reigned 1719-48). This painting was made by an artist from a small kingdom in the western Himalayas who stayed at the Mughal court in Delhi and painted scenes of his experiences. Like his predecessors, Muhammad Shah enjoyed watching elephant fights. He is shown in his window of public audience, marked by a golden carpet, smoking a hookah. Women from his harem can be seen looking on from behind painted screens. Two pairs of men hold fire brands and spears to prevent the elephants from running off and to keep them under control. The intensity of the fight--captured at a moment when one mahout, or elephant trainer, has dropped his goad and is about to jump off--is augmented by the dense colours and forms in contrast to the otherwise pale planes, balanced only by the strip of palace windows
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Media ID 19645693
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Attributed To Ink And Colour On Paper Nainsukh
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This print titled "Two Elephants Fighting in a Courtyard Before Muhammad Shah, c. 1730-40" transports us back to the Mughal era under the reign of Emperor Muhammad Shah. Known for his patronage of courtly arts and pastimes, this painting showcases one of his favorite spectacles - elephant fights. Created by Nainsukh, an artist hailing from a small kingdom in the western Himalayas who had the privilege to stay at the Mughal court in Delhi, this artwork beautifully captures scenes from his firsthand experiences. The composition depicts Muhammad Shah seated in his window of public audience adorned with a golden carpet while indulging in smoking a hookah. Concealed behind intricately painted screens are women from his harem observing the enthralling spectacle. To ensure control over these mighty creatures, two pairs of men armed with fire brands and spears stand ready to prevent any untoward incidents or escape attempts by the elephants. The intensity of their clash is frozen at a climactic moment when one mahout drops his goad and prepares to leap off. The vibrant colors and intricate details employed by Nainsukh add depth and drama to this scene against an otherwise pale backdrop punctuated only by palace windows. This print not only offers us a glimpse into historical events but also serves as a testament to the rich artistic heritage that flourished during Muhammad Shah's reign.
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