Posthumous portrait of Emperor Jahangir under a canopy (recto)

c. 1650

India, Mughal, 17th century

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Medium

Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper

Measurements

Page: 35.2 x 22.1 cm (13 7/8 x 8 11/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection 2013.329.a

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

Jahangir holds a ruby or spinel, thought to be a talisman for military victory.

Description

Jahangir, the fourth Mughal emperor, was remembered for his greatness long after his death. Ruling from 1605 to 1627, he laid the foundations for long-term trade and diplomatic relations with various nations of Europe, most notably England and Portugal. He oversaw the transition of Mughal India into a global power during a time that can be considered the international Age of Exploration. This posthumous portrait depicts Jahangir amid the trappings of wealth and power with the light of divine sanction shining behind his head. A white marble railing demarcates his imperial space.