Arkivism
A Royal Picnic on a Terrace
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A Royal Picnic on a Terrace

Muhammad Ali (Persian, active 1590–1620), artist · c. 1620 · Gum tempera and gold on paper

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

A richly patterned carpet spans the width of the composition and forms the setting for a royal visit. The status of the highest-ranking person is indicated by the tan cloth placed over the carpet and the voluminous wine-colored cushion ornamented with stylized gold clouds. An attendant holding an emblem of Indian royalty, the fly whisk, stands to one side. At the far right of the carpet are two books, indicating that they are learned men. Like the carpet, the book covers have central medallions and borders, in line with the Persian aesthetic that the Mughals of India held in high regard.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineA Royal Picnic on a Terrace, c. 1620. Attributed to Muhammad Ali (Persian, active 1590–1620). Gum tempera and gold on paper; overall: 23.4 x 14.6 cm (9 3/16 x 5 3/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of J. H. Wade, 1920.1966
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