Description

Antique Indian Mughal album leaf miniature painting most likely of the Emperor Jahangir on horseback. A halo and bejeweled crown imply his Imperial rank. Jahangir was ambitious about taking over the reign of his father, Akbar the Great, and the two were at odds until reconciling later in life. Akbar was a patron of the arts and it was he who brought together the Indian and Persian artists who defined the genre of Mughal miniature painting. Here, Emperor Jahangir sits astride an elaborately armored white horse. He holds a spear and has two quivers of arrows, probably ready for a hunt. The horse is painted in a manner in which he appears to have leapt the boundary of the page. On the reverse is Persian writing. Gouache and ink on paper.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 10 1/2″ high x 6 5/5″ wide