Nadir Shah of Iran

This captivating portrait, expertly crafted by Muhammad Panah, breathes life into the formidable Iranian ruler, Nadir Shah of Iran. Executed with meticulous brushstrokes in opaque watercolor and embellished with intricate gold detailing on paper, the artwork is a testament to Panah's artistic mastery. 

The composition's focal point is the striking red robe draped over Nadir Shah, standing out vividly against the silvery gray background and a delicate pale blue rug. In a posture of authority, Nadir Shah kneels, his regal presence exuding strength, emphasized by the support of a bolster at his back.

Executed in the northern region of the Indian subcontinent, possibly in Delhi, the portrait proudly bears the artist's signature. Another version of this artwork dated 1742, credited to Muhammad Panah, resides in the esteemed Bodleian Library in Oxford. 

The vibrant red hue of Nadir Shah's robe symbolizes the turbulent period during which he rose to power. In 1738, Nadir Shah profoundly impacted India after descending from Iran. The artwork encapsulates the pivotal moment when he looted the Mughal treasury in Delhi, seizing invaluable treasures such as the renowned Koh-i-Nur diamond and the jewel-encrusted throne of Shah Jahan, a revered Mughal emperor of the 17th century. This portrait not only captures the visual essence of Nadir Shah but also becomes a window into the historical drama of a bygone era.

- Maya M. Tola

P.S. Our DailyArt Calendars for 2024 are full of such beautiful paintings. If you want them to accompany your 2024, check them out!

P.P.S. Nadir Shah invaded India when the Mughal empire was weak and troubled by financial and internal problems that eventually led to its decline. Learn more about this story and discover the amazing art created during that period! For more art from Iran, see the articles below.