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A Nobleman Reading

ca. 1750–75
Not on view
This unfinished painting depicts a seated figure who appears to be floating in space, as his chair has not yet been painted. The stippled modeling of his face and hands, together with the carefully folded drapery of his clothing, reflects a keen attention to detail on the part of the artist. Created after the high point of Mughal portraiture, this study nonetheless demonstrates a continuation of this artistic tradition into the late eighteenth century. While Mughal portraits typically show the sitters surrounded by their prized possessions, the subject of this painting is depicted with only a blank book in his hand.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: A Nobleman Reading
  • Date: ca. 1750–75
  • Geography: Country of Origin India
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting: H. 8 11/16 in. (22 cm)
    W. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
    Frame: H. 16 3/4 in. (42.5 cm)
    W.. 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2009
  • Object Number: 2009.319a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

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"Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Chitarman Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Chitarman
recto: dated 1627–28; verso: ca. 1530–50
"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Govardhan, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Govardhan
Mir 'Ali Haravi
verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1530–50
"Bahram Gur Sees a Herd of Deer Mesmerized by Dilaram' s Music", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Main support: ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper<br/>Margins: gold on dyed paper
"Bahram Gur Sees a Herd of Deer Mesmerized by Dilaram' s Music", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Miskin
1597–98
"A King Offers to Make Amends to a Bereaved Mother", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold on paper<br/>Margins: Gold on dyed paper
"A King Offers to Make Amends to a Bereaved Mother", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Miskin
1597–98
Black Stork in a Landscape, Opaque watercolor on European paper
Black Stork in a Landscape
ca. 1780

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