Suleiman Shikoh

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Suleiman Shikoh

c. 1650-1657

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

As grandson of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Suleiman Shikoh (1632-1662) was born into a life of luxury and privilege. The Mughal court was nevertheless a perilous place for princes. Suleiman was only thirty years old when he was murdered at the order of his uncle, the future emperor Aurangzeb. This portrait, thus, must date from better days, prior to Suleiman's imprisonment at Gwalior Fort in 1658. The depiction of Suleiman as an accomplished royal warrior-adorned in jeweled ornaments and impressive battle gear-suggests this is indeed the case. The fact of his portrayal alone is indicative of Suleiman's relatively high station at this point in time. An imprisoned rival to the Mughal throne would not have warranted such an honor.

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Object Details

Title:

Suleiman Shikoh

Date:

c. 1650-1657

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 7 7/8 × 4 3/16 inches (20 × 10.6 cm) Sheet: 15 7/16 × 10 7/8 inches (39.2 × 27.6 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

The Samuel S. White 3rd and Vera White Collection, 1967

Accession Number:

1967-30-390

Geography:

Probably made in Delhi, India, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Mughal Dynasty (1526-1858) Reign: Shah Jahan (1628-1658)

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