Akbar Shah, c. 1800, Probably by Robert Home, Oil on Canvas, 72.5x60 cms.

Born in 1752, Robert Home was a British oil portrait painter who travelled to India in 1791 and painted large number of landscapes as well as historical subjects. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools in 1769. His iconic works of art include, “The Hostage Princes leaving home”, “Lord Cornwallis Receiving Tipu Sahib’s Sons” alongwith several landscapes. In 1814 he became the court painter of Nawab Ghazi-ud-Din Haider (1769–1827) in Lucknow. He died in 1834. Akbar Shah II (1760–1837 CE) was the second last Mughal Emperor of India, holding the title from 1806 to 1837. He was the second son of Shah Alam II and the father of Bahadur Shah Zafar II. With the increasing control of the Empire through the East India Company, Akbar had modest powers as an Emperor in 1835. During his regime, the East India Company discontinued calling itself the lieutenant of the Mughal Emperor and issuing coins in his name. This painting represents the Emperor in his refi ned age with prominence given to his white beard and moustache. With sunken eyes, attention is drawn to his age which refl ects the length of his experiences. The ruler is bejewelled with pearls and precious stones, adorning his attire and body. Drooping shoulders reveal the intricate embroidery on his purple choga, worn over crimson jora. The elaborate headgear follows conventional rows of pearls which visibly appear as an extension to the pearls worn around the neck in a rhythmic manner. Huge red stones gleam through the headgear with red plumes surmounting them on the top.

Portfolio Name: Company Paintings in Rashtrapati Bhawan
Source: Lalit Kala Akademi