This album painting in gouache on paper depicts the Mughal emperor Jahangir (reigned 1605-27), who ordered the gold tnohur on the opposite page to be made. Jahangir is shown beneath a richly decorated canopy being served food and drink by his sons Khusrau and Parviz. Below Jahangir's feet is an inscription reading Carnal Manuhar (the work of Manohar). Manohar was a court artist who began his career during the reign of Jahangir's father Akbar (1556-1605). His style reached maturity under Jahangir, of whom he is known to have made at least ten portraits.
Perhaps inspired by European art, the Mughal emperors encouraged their artists to create particularly life-like portraits. Chihranami, or painting faces, was the most highly esteemed category of painting in the Mughal atelier, and artists were often ordered to re-paint the faces of figures in older paintings.
From India, about ли 1605-6
Ht 20.8 cm
Transferred from the Department of Oriental Manuscripts and Printed Books, British Library
Perhaps inspired by European art, the Mughal emperors encouraged their artists to create particularly life-like portraits. Chihranami, or painting faces, was the most highly esteemed category of painting in the Mughal atelier, and artists were often ordered to re-paint the faces of figures in older paintings.
From India, about ли 1605-6
Ht 20.8 cm
Transferred from the Department of Oriental Manuscripts and Printed Books, British Library