Who painted Alamgir II?

Alamgir II was painted by Unknown in 1755.

Where can I see Alamgir II?

Alamgir II is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Alamgir II?

Alamgir II is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

Alamgir II

Unknown , 1755

Alamgir II is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1755 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work is a portrait of the Mughal emperor Alamgir II, who reigned from 1754 to 1759. He is shown seated, smoking a huqqa, and surrounded by a luminous halo. The composition is set against a plain white background, while the perimeter is decorated with a patterned border of tiny green leaves on a yellow field, intersected by red and orange lines.

Subject & Meaning

Alamgir II is presented in regal attire—a bright yellow robe and green headgear—conveying imperial authority. The act of smoking a huqqa, a traditional water pipe, adds a domestic, leisurely aspect to the ruler’s image, suggesting a blend of power and personal habit within the courtly setting.

Technique & Style

Executed in opaque watercolour enriched with gold leaf on paper, the portrait combines delicate shading on the emperor’s face with vivid coloration in the garments. The border, reminiscent of illuminated manuscript frames, features repetitive leaf motifs, while the halo effect around the figure enhances the work’s devotional visual language.

History & Provenance

The painting bears the inscription “W.F. 1764” on its reverse, indicating its former ownership by the Scottish collector William Fullarton. It entered the museum’s holdings via the Department of Engraving, Illustration & Design, catalogued under reference RP 51/2237, and remains part of that collection today.