Who painted Shah Jahan?

Shah Jahan was painted by Unknown in 1710.

Where can I see Shah Jahan?

Shah Jahan is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Shah Jahan?

Shah Jahan is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Shah Jahan

Unknown , 1710

Shah Jahan is a paint painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This Mughal portrait depicts Emperor Shah Jahan in profile as a middle-aged man with a distinctive white beard and mustache. Rendered in opaque watercolour and gold on paper, the work is mounted on a brick-red album page with gold sprinkles, characteristic of traditional large-format Mughal album compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures Shah Jahan's regal presence through symbols of luxury and power. His white turban, jeweled adornments, brown robe with white patterns, and three ornate necklaces featuring large pearls and jewels convey his wealth and imperial status.

Technique & Style

The artist employed opaque watercolour and gold leaf on paper, mounted on a brick-red album page with gold sprinkles. The light green circular background, outlined in gold against a reddish-brown backdrop, exemplifies the refined, detailed aesthetic of Mughal courtly art.

History & Provenance

Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1922 from Messrs Robert Riviere and Son in London, the painting's pre-1922 history is not detailed in available records.

Context

Created within the Mughal Empire's flourishing artistic tradition, this portrait reflects the era's penchant for combining Indian, Persian, and Islamic artistic influences to depict royal figures in opulent settings.

Legacy

As part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, the portrait contributes to the understanding and appreciation of Mughal art and the historical figure of Shah Jahan, offering insights into the imperial culture of 17th-century India.