Cleveland Museum of Art

Posthumous portrait of Emperor Jahangir under a canopy (recto); Calligraphy (verso)

Date

c. 1650

Medium

Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper

Culture

India, Mughal, 17th century

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Jahangir, the fourth Mughal emperor, was remembered for his greatness long after his death. Ruling from 1605 to 1627, he laid the foundations for long-term trade and diplomatic relations with various nations of Europe, most notably England and Portugal. He oversaw the transition of Mughal India into a global power during a time that can be considered the international Age of Exploration. This posthumous portrait depicts Jahangir amid the trappings of wealth and power with the light of divine sanction shining behind his head. A white marble railing demarcates his imperial space. Jahangir holds a ruby or spinel, thought to be a talisman for military victory.

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