Shah Abbas Receiving Khan Alam in 1618

The painting depicts Safavid Persian ruler Shah Abbas I (r. 1588-1629) receiving Mughal Ambassador Khan Alam. Shah Abbas’s head is surrounded by a large green halo with emanating golden rays, which denotes his divinely-sanctioned rule and god-on-earth status. A young attendant behind the Safavid ruler holds out a white scarf, a symbol representing Shah Abbas’s royal status. The ruler hands fruit to Khan Alam, who sits on the grass in front of Shah Abbas I.