A Courtier, Possibly Khan Alam, Holding a Spinel and a Deccan Sword

c. 1605–10

Govardhan

Govardhan (Indian, active c.1596–1645)

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

A Courtier, Possibly Khan Alam, Holding a Spinel and a Deccan Sword, c. 1605–10. Attributed to Govardhan (Indian, active c.1596–1645). Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper, text on verso; page: 17.8 x 12.5 cm (7 x 4 15/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection 2013.323

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Govardhan
Classification: Painting
Formatted Medium: gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper, text on verso
Medium: gum, tempera, ink, gold, paper, text, verso
Dimensions: Page: 17.8 x 12.5 cm (7 x 4 15/16 in.)
Inscribed: Inscription: Verso: A tahshiyya (marginal addendum) in rhymed prose from the Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sa‘di (Persian, 1210–1291) and the Nafahat al-Uns (Breaths of Fellowship) of Abd al-Rahman Jami (Persian, 1414–1492), c. 1605, Abd al-Rahim, the Anbarin-Qalam (Indian, active c. 1590–1630), Mughal court; In nast’aliq script: O Lord of the all dominions Praise and thanks to God—may he be honored and glorified!—whose worship brings one closer to him and giving thanks [to him] increases his bounty. [Each breath] that one inhales, prolongs life, and when exhaled a rejuvenation of the soul. Thus each breath contains two blessings, and on each blessing gratitude is due. Who is able, by word or deed, to fulfill the task of paying him due thanks? It is more apt for his slaves to seek at the Divine court pardon for their shortcomings, for what truly is worth his lordship none can render adequately. Persian verses from the Nafahat al-uns quoting a poem by the mystic Sheikh Ruzbihan of Shiraz (Persian, 1128–1209), in nast’aliq script: That which has not been visible to the eye of time; That which has not been audible to the ears of the earth; Has manifested itself in the clay of my being. Come at once and see it in my clay.This page has been written as marginalia to the book Mir’at al-quds [Mirror of Holiness],written by the wretched Abd al-Rahim Anbarin-Qalam, may God forgive his sins.
Departments: Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Accession Number: 2013.323
Credit Line: Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection
Exhibitions: <em>Main Asian Rotation (Gallery 245)</em>. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (December 31, 2013-June 30, 2014).
Rights Statement: CC0