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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1919.256
Title
Preparatory Equestrian Portrait of Bahadur Shah with an Attendant
Classification
Drawings
Work Type
drawing
Date
18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India
Period
Mughal period
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/217057

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Black ink on deer skin (charba)
Dimensions
19.9 x 17.4 cm (7 13/16 x 6 7/8 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • inscription: (Padshah) - Emperor.
  • inscription: Language: Persian
    Script: Nasta’liq
    باحادور شاه
    Bahadur Shah

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Hervey E. Wetzel
Accession Year
1919
Object Number
1919.256
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
The mounted figure is Bahadur Shah I, the seventh Mughal emperor (r. 1707-1712). He bears a halo, which denotes his divine-like status, and a thick, dark beard. He wears a turban, a robe (jama), and a waist sash (patka). Tucked into his sash is a dagger. He carries in his right hand a spear while his left clutches onto the reigns of his horse. Attached to the saddle is a quiver filled with arrows. Standing beside the horse is a bearded attendant wielding a large bat-like mace in his right hand, while holding onto the horse trappings with his left.

Exhibition History

  • The Tablet and the Pen: Drawings from the Islamic World, Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 02/18/2006 - 07/23/2006

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu