Fath Ali Shah and his twenty-two sons, Artist Unknown, Oil on Canvas

Fath Ali (1797-1834) is represented in the central painting in a forward thrust with eyes directed
towards the observer, even as his black beard flows backwards. He is mounted on a horse and is killing a lion with his lance. His twenty-two sons surround him and are hunting deer. Fath Ali is wearing full court regalia with a Kiyani crown forming bejewelled attire. A henna chromed horse imparts eminence to the king. His black garb and long brown knee-length shoes, shows the artist’s attention to detail. This composition is conceived amidst minimal landscape with trees sprouting at calculated points and blue-grey sky receding in the distant background. The brilliance is emphasised further by motifs encased with gold and semi-precious stones on costumes and saddles of all twenty-three figures. The animals are also enveloped within splendid ornamentation. Contouring with red and black draperies, the colour scheme exudes serenity. With all his sons seated atop bejewelled horses in forward motion, this work of art conveys action. It entices observers with its intense energy. The calligraphic verses in Nastaliq script have been identified as qasida or couplets written in praise of the ruler. The verses complement the visual imagery of the composition. Portfolio Name: Paintings in the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Source: Lalit Kala Akademi