Cleveland Museum of Art

Shah Jahan holding a spinel and a long Deccan sword, from the Late Shah Jahan Album

Hashim

Date

c. 1650

Medium

Gum tempera and gold on paper

Culture

India, Mughal, 17th century

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This page came from an imperial album assembled for Shah Jahan toward the end of his reign. Only portraits of the emperors have angels hovering with a crown in the top border along with the predator peacefully paired with his prey below. Shah Jahan chose to link these symbols of peace and justice with divine sanction for his rule, as indicated by the light of the sun and moon behind his head. Royal retainers carry emblems of sovereignty in the left border. Imperial Mughal painting reached a pinnacle of refinement and formality under Shah Jahan. The artists reveal astonishing skill in their ability to render the subtle texture of the feather in his turban crest, the gleam of every jewel, the softness of his beard, and the delicacy of his costly translucent muslin robe. In his hand Shah Jahan holds a ruby-like gemstone called a spinel, prized among the Mughals for its talismanic properties of protection during battle. The finest fabric was the most transparent, like the Emperor’s New Clothes.

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