Portrait of Kuchal Oghlan: Folio from Salim's Album

Nanha

ca.1595–1600 · Opaque watercolor and gold on paper · Islamic Art

Persian inscriptions identify the subject of this painting as Kuchal Oghlan (son of Kuchal), a Mughal courtier, as well as the name of the artist, Nanha. This work is a single folio from the so-called Salim Album, named for Prince Salim, who later became the Mughal Emperor Jahangir (r. 1605–27). The album was assembled around 1600, a moment when Prince Salim rebelled against his father Emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605) and set up a rival court in Allahabad. Nanha has masterfully painted this aging courtier, who in his old age relies on the support of the staff tucked under his left armpit.

Artist

Nanha

Date

ca.1595–1600

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2019