Maharana Jagat Singh Hawks for Cranes 1744

This painting titled, "Maharana Jagat Singh Hawks for Cranes," was created by Shiva and Dayal. Notice the recurrent motif of the hunt, laden with symbolism. Hunting scenes were frequently used to demonstrate power and prosperity. Consider the hawk: traditionally, it signifies nobility, and when paired with the cranes, it brings to mind a cycle of dominance and vulnerability. We find similar motifs echoing through history. In ancient Egypt, falconry held a sacred place, and was seen as a symbol of the pharaohs. This idea appears again in medieval European art, and has evolved to become intertwined with concepts of prestige and control. It is as though each generation seeks to express these primal dynamics through visual storytelling. In the painting, the emotional weight of these symbols is powerful, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The non-linear, cyclical progression of these symbols is evident, they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.