Shah Jahan
Medium
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions
5.4 × 3.7 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of J. H. Wade
Accession Number
1920.1969
Tags
male
About this artwork
This sensitive portrait jewel was probably painted shortly after Shah Jahan came to the throne of the powerful Mughal Empire in 1628 after the death of his father, Jahangir. He decided to wear a full beard, in reference to his increased orthodoxy in comparison to his more liberal father and grandfather. The artist’s signature appears behind Shah Jahan’s nape.