Portrait of Aurangzeb
Artist/Culture
Mughal
Date17th Century
Mediumwatercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions8 1/8 x 5 3/4 inches
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1926.5
Label TextThe sixth and last of the great Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb rose to power through treacherous battles against his brothers. Later, he conquered the Deccani sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda- which extended the boundaries of the empire beyond effective control.
Unlike his religiously tolerant ancestors, Aurangzeb was a zealous Sunni Muslim whose orthodox interpretation of Islam led to his withdrawal of patronage from many of the arts, including painting. Nevertheless, portraits of him in old age are common and usually include some mark of his faith. In this delicate likeness, the emperor, bent with age, leans on his staff and fingers his rosary.
ProvenanceAnanda K. Coomaraswamy, Boston MAOn View
Not on view
