Central Asia, India, Mughal Empire, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A stylized, romantic portrait of the Emperor Jahangir and his wife, Empress Nur Jahan (sometimes Noor Jahan). Each is depicted within an oval border, set against a blue background and within a beige border, both decorated with fine, colorful floral drawings. The portraits are sensitively done. The Emperor wears rich clothing and is shown with one hand raised to his heart and the other gripping the wall he sits behind. His wife, her hands painted with henna, also wears rich clothing, including a diaphanous gown and veil that is beautifully rendered. Comes with frame. Size: 9.5" W x 6" H (24.1 cm x 15.2 cm)

The love story of the Emperor and Nur Jahan is a fascinating - one that was scandalous at the time. He fell in love with her when she was married to another man, and after the death of her first husband, she made him wait three years while she mourned before she married him. Intelligent, charismatic, and well-educated, Nur Jahan became the most powerful and influential empress in Mughal history, attending court and even sometimes holding it when her husband was unwell. She had coinage struck in her name and was given charge of the imperial seal, powers accorded to no other empress. Throughout it all, it seems that her husband loved her deeply and gave her the titles of "Light of the Palace" and "Light of the World".

Provenance: private collection, Los Angeles, California, USA; ex-Australian collection

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#123358

Slight fading to colors but otherwise in excellent condition.