Falconc. 1770 · Study 1968.42

Context from the museum

The imperial Mughal practice of keeping portraits of animals was adopted by art patrons and collectors in small states and kingdoms under the umbrella of the Mughals. Falconry, the sport of hunting small game with a bird of prey, was a popular activity among the highest ranks of Mughal royalty. The falcon depicted in this painting appears to be a peregrine. Cords with bells keep the trained hunting bird tethered to its roost.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

Indian artists used white-out, white paint, to cover mistakes and make changes.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected image measurement for Falcon is 16 cm wide and 27.6 cm high, equivalent to approximately 6.3 × 10.9 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.58:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.04 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 5.3% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 142.0 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Falcon in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Gum tempera and gold on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 16 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?