Portrait of Emperor Akbar Praying

early 17th century

Not on view

This work, drawn shortly before the high point of Mughal portraiture, shows an aged emperor Akbar holding a rosary during prayer. It was commissioned soon before or after his death in 1605 and is paired with a similar portrait of his son and successor Jahangir. Although neutral tones dominate, the sash around his waist is accented in red and blue. The underdrawing, especially visible at Akbar’s feet and legs, indicates that the artist departed from his original plan in the process of executing this portrait.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Portrait of Emperor Akbar Praying
Date: early 17th century
Geography: Attributed to India
Medium: Ink and opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Overall: H. 10 9/16 in. (26.8 cm)
W. 6 1/16 in. (15.4 cm)
Mat: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
Frame: H. 21 3/4 in. (54.6 cm)
W. 16 3/4 in. (42.5 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Gift of Horace Havemeyer, 1929
Object Number: 29.160.20
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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