A Begum holding a flower I
TSM Accession: P-4194
Pleach No: PIF/000DMP61
Title: A Begum holding a flower I
Style: Deccani Miniature
Artist: Unknown
Medium: Water colour on paper
Dimensions: 21 x 14 cms
Period: 17th/18th century CE
Rights: Telangana State Archaeological Museum, Hyderabad
Documented by: Pleach India Foundation, Hyderabad
The artwork depicts a Begum of the Qutb Shahi era, radiating elegance.
Clad in a richly embroidered robe and matching dupatta, she stands before a central gallery overlooking a beautiful garden with a fountain and path. Pearls adorn her jewelry, from armbands to earrings. In her raised hand, she gracefully holds a delicate white flower, completing her portrayal of royalty. The subtle color scheme and the simplicity of the composition, accented by the extensive use of gold, are hallmarks of the Golconda artistic style.
The Qutb Shahi era is portrayed in the painting by the extensive use of gold and the simplicity along with dynamic flow of the figurative emotion, subtle color scheme represents painting’s beauty.