Portrait of Emperor Jahangir Praying

Unknown

early 17th century · Ink and opaque watercolor on paper · Islamic Art

This work, completed shortly before the high point of Mughal portraiture, shows the emperor Jahangir (r. 1605–27) praying. It was painted near the beginning of his reign and is paired with a portrait of his father Akbar, also in the Museum’s collection. Although neutral tones dominate, Jahangir’s jewelry and the sash around his waist are accented in red and blue. The underdrawing, especially visible at Jahangir’s feet and legs, indicates that the artist departed from his original plan in the process of executing this portrait.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Ink and opaque watercolor on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Gift of Horace Havemeyer, 1929