Portrait of Fakir Khan and His Sons c. 1690

This painting, "Portrait of Fakir Khan and His Sons," of unknown date, presents a formal arrangement with a focus on symmetry and balance. The figures, set against a stylized landscape, are meticulously arranged in a horizontal frieze. This composition flattens the space, emphasizing surface pattern over depth. Notice the shields, placed symmetrically at the bottom – their circular forms anchor the composition. The artist employs a limited color palette, dominated by earth tones, which creates a sense of harmony. However, the pops of pink in the garb of the youngest son adds a layer of visual complexity and is strategically placed to draw the eye. The lack of sharp perspective and the emphasis on decorative elements flattens any established sense of depth. What does this mean? This directs our attention to the painting's surface, reminding us that we are looking at a constructed image.