Minister Giving a Mughal Prince a Necklace

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Minister Giving a Mughal Prince a Necklace

c. 1670-1680

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

As this double portrait lacks an inscription, it is difficult to identify the two figures with any certainty. Judging by his costume, the young man appears to be a Mughal prince. The older man, who places an emerald and pearl necklace in the other man's hand, is probably a minister. The official histories of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's reign (1658-1707) recount numerous grants of horses, robes, and gems, which were awarded to the emperor's sons for their military service. A gift represented more than just a transference of wealth. It was also a symbolic bequest of political power. This painting preserves for posterity one such gift ceremony, a sure benefit both to the gift's esteemed presenter and to its distinguished recipient.

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Object Details

Title:

Minister Giving a Mughal Prince a Necklace
Father Giving His Son a Necklace

Date:

c. 1670-1680

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 9 11/16 × 7 1/8 inches (24.6 × 18.1 cm) Sheet: 15 3/8 × 10 5/16 inches (39.1 × 26.2 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

The Samuel S. White 3rd and Vera White Collection, 1958

Accession Number:

1958-151-45

Geography:

Probably made in Delhi, India, Asia

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