A RARE INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTING OF SHAH JAHAN AND MUMTAZ MAHAL
Mughal India, 18th-19th century. Ink, gold, and watercolors on paper. Superbly painted with Shah Jahan, reading from a book, wearing white and gold robes, tied at the waist with a gold and lavender belt, as well as two necklaces and a feathered turban, a halo behind his head, and Mumtaz Mahal beside him, wearing a pink robe and green shawl, and holding a fan, both with fine expressions and standing under the blue sky with whispy clouds.

Provenance: Collection of Sigfred Taubert, thence by descent. Sigfred Taubert (1914-2008) was the director of the Frankfurt Book Fair between 1958 and 1973, and also a writer and enthusiastic collector of bibliophilic treasures from all over the world. From 1974 to 1978, he was a member of the board of the UNESCO International Book Committee in Paris.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear, soiling, creasing, minuscule tears to edges, possibly with minor touchups.

Dimensions: Image size 23.5 x 34 cm, Size incl. frame 36 x 46 cm

Mumtaz Mahal (1593-1631) was the empress consort of the Mughal Empire from 19 January 1628 to 17 June 1631. The Taj Mahal in Agra, often cited as one of the Wonders of the World, was commissioned by Shah Jahan as her tomb. Mumtaz Mahal was born Arjumand Banu Begum in Agra to a family of Persian nobility. She was the daughter of Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan, a wealthy Persian who held high office in the Mughal Empire. At the age of 19 she married Prince Khurram, later known by his regnal name Shah Jahan, who conferred upon her the title Mumtaz Mahal (Persian: 'the exalted one of the palace').

Literature comparison: Compare a related painting of Shah Jahan on the Peacock Throne, dated to the 19th century, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 13.228.53.

Auction result comparison: Compare a related painting of Shah Jahan, dated circa 1700, at Christie's New York in Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence on 19 June 2019, lot 77, sold for USD 62,500. Compare a related painting of Shah Jahan, dated to the first half of the 18th century, at Christie's New York in The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller: Travel and Americana on 10 May 2018, lot 1020, sold for USD 12,500.