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Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1919.134
Title
Portrait of a Mughal Emperor, probably Aurangzeb
Classification
Albums
Work Type
album folio
Date
18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India
Period
Mughal period
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/311106

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
21.75 x 13.34 cm (8 9/16 x 5 1/4 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Hervey E. Wetzel
Accession Year
1919
Object Number
1919.134
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Standing against a pale blue background with faint traces of sky is a royal figure who strongly resembles the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (r. 1658-1707) in his old age. His turban is made of white fabric with gold decoration and is adorned with a bejeweled and feathered turban ornament (sarpech). The figure has a thick, full white beard. He wears a long white jama (robe) decorated with blossoming flowers and a gold sash (patka) is tied at the waist. Tucked into the sash on the figure’s right side is a dagger, the hilt can be seen from under the right arm. In his right hand he carries a long staff with a crutch-type hilt. Staffs such as these often concealed rapier-like swords for protection.

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