Artwork
Emperor Shah Jahan
Emperor Shah Jahan is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1890, this work combines opaque watercolor with gold leaf on paper to render a portrait of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The figure is positioned on a gilded throne and faces toward the left, set against a muted gray wall that frames the composition.
Subject & Meaning
The emperor is shown in a green robe and turban, holding a fan in his right hand. Pearls adorn his neck and wrists, and a subtle yellow circle behind his head functions as a halo, emphasizing his regal status and the sanctified aura often associated with sovereign portraiture.
Technique & Style
The artist employed opaque watercolor to achieve rich, saturated tones, while gold leaf highlights the throne and decorative elements, adding a luminous quality. Fine brushwork delineates the intricate patterns on the couch and clothing, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship typical of late‑19th‑century Indian court painting.
History & Provenance
The painting originates from the late nineteenth century, a period when Mughal iconography was frequently revisited by Indian artists for both patronage and cultural preservation. Specific details of its commission, ownership, or exhibition history have not been documented in the available records.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
