Artwork
Shah Jahan and three sons
Shah Jahan and three sons is a paint painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This opaque watercolor on paper depicts a procession scene featuring Emperor Shah Jahan and three of his sons, accompanied by courtiers, all mounted on elephants (not horses, as visually misnoted), approaching an idgah (open-air mosque) in Ajmer, likely during a Muslim festival.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a moment of imperial religious observance, highlighting Shah Jahan's role as a devout Muslim ruler. The setting, an idgah in Ajmer, suggests a specific religious event, though the exact festival is not specified.
Technique & Style
Executed in opaque watercolor on paper, the work features intricate patterns, detailed designs on attire and architecture, and a predominantly muted color palette (greens, blues, browns). Despite the visual note's Baroque attribution, the style aligns more closely with Mughal miniature traditions.
History & Provenance
No specific historical provenance or creation date is provided for the painting. Its attribution and the identities of the three sons are not detailed in the available information.
Context
The painting reflects the religious and cultural practices of the Mughal Empire under Shah Jahan's rule, showcasing the blend of royal and religious life. Ajmer, a significant pilgrimage site, adds to the context of religious devotion.
Legacy
The painting's impact or influence on subsequent art or historical records is not specified in the provided information.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
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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
