Portrait of Emperor Akbar Praying

Unknown

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

This work, drawn shortly before the high point of Mughal portraiture, shows an aged emperor Akbar holding a rosary during prayer. It was commissioned soon before or after his death in 1605 and is paired with a similar portrait of his son and successor Jahangir. Although neutral tones dominate, the sash around his waist is accented in red and blue. The underdrawing, especially visible at Akbar’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