Artwork Page for Portrait of Emperor Alamgir (Aurangzeb)

Details / Information for Portrait of Emperor Alamgir (Aurangzeb)

Portrait of Emperor Alamgir (Aurangzeb)

c. 1700

Mughal India, Court of Alamgir

(reigned 1658–1707)
Medium
Gum tempera and gold on paper
Measurements
Sheet: 7.9 x 5.3 cm (3 1/8 x 2 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1944.498
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Unlike his predecessors, Alamgir disapproved of alcohol and music.

Description

Appearing aged and benevolent, the sixth emperor of the Mughal dynasty in India sits at the jharokha window, in the attitude of dispensing favor on his subjects. Marked by a carpet draped over the railing as seen from the exterior of a palace, the jharokha window is where the emperor would come to show himself to the public. His halo indicates that he has divine grace behind him. This small portrait would have been gifted to a loyal supporter by order of the emperor.
A vertically oriented gum tempera and gold painting depicts Emperor Alamgir, an elderly man with medium-light skin and a white beard. Appearing in profile, he faces right from behind an ornate golden window. He wears a white robe and a yellow and white turban. A radiant gold halo encircles his head against a dark background. His left hand is raised palm upward. The portrait is framed by a red and green lattice.

Portrait of Emperor Alamgir (Aurangzeb)

c. 1700

Mughal India, Court of Alamgir (reigned 1658–1707)

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