Vabhruvahana Approaches Arjuna, page from the Khan Khanan's Razm-namac. 1610?–17 · Study 1960.44

Context from the museum

A tree with a whimsically mint-green trunk populated with birds and nests with eggs appears to the left of the block of text, in which the action below is described in Persian. Under the tree on a blanket is Arjuna, one of the main heroes of the Razm-nama. He is an extraordinary warrior and holds his bow as he receives his son Vabhruvahana, who has come to apologize for having captured the horse of the royal horse sacrifice––a major indiscretion.

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

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for Vabhruvahana Approaches Arjuna, page from the Khan Khanan's Razm-nama is 24 cm wide and 35 cm high, equivalent to approximately 9.4 × 13.8 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.69:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.08 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 8.0% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 138.0 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 Vabhruvahana Approaches Arjuna, page from the Khan Khanan's Razm-nama in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 24 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?