Khan ‘Alam, Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s Falconer and His Ambassador to Iran, with a Sparrow Hawk c. 1610 - 1620

Editor: Here we have "Khan ‘Alam, Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s Falconer and His Ambassador to Iran, with a Sparrow Hawk," attributed to Govardhan. The detail is remarkable, isn't it? It feels so formal, almost like a staged photograph, but painted. What do you make of it? Curator: It's captivating, isn't it? I see a portrait of power, not just in Khan 'Alam's attire but also in the quiet strength he exudes with the hawk. Notice the muted color palette; it speaks to a certain elegance. I wonder what stories that hawk could tell us? Editor: That’s a beautiful way to put it. It's more than just a portrait; it's a story waiting to be told. Curator: Absolutely! It's like a whispered secret from the Mughal court, inviting us to listen closely.