Masterpieces of the Moghul Era

Masterpieces of the Mughal Era

Founded in 1526, the Mughal Empire was an Islamic superpower that ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Afghanistan for 325 years. The ruling class could trace their roots to both Genghis Khan (ca. 1162-1227) and Timur (1336-1405) also known as Tamerlane, but became increasingly Indian and Persian due to dynastic marriages. At its height, Emperor Aurangzeb (1618-1707) ruled over one quarter of the world’s population as well as the largest economy in the world with a GDP ten times that of France under Louis XIV (1638-1715).
This tremendous wealth, when paired with the massive polyglot population, produced a rich cultural and artistic heritage. It evolved from Persian miniature painting, which was itself heavily influenced by Chinese art, in addition to influences from the Hindu, Jain, Turkic, and Buddhist artistic traditions. It is distinguished from its Persianate predecessors by adopting a more realistic style for plants, animals, and portraits. Other elements of the Persian artistic tradition, especially richly decorated borders, were continued and refined.
The ten folios assembled here represent a splendid sample of this rich, diverse artistic tradition created between the 16th and 18th centuries:
1. Emperor Babar Resting During the Hunt, 1st quarter of the 17th century, Mughal school.
2 Dara Shokuh with His Son, ca.1650 by Govardham, Mughal school.
3. Princess Zib an Nisa at the Fireworks, 2nd third of the 18th century.
4. Portrait of Mirza Rustam, 2nd half of 17th century, signed Mihr Chand.
5. Court Lady on the Garden Terrace, early-18th century, Mughal school.
6. Maiden Bathing in the Evening, ca. 1700, Mughal school.
7. Encounters at the Well, 2nd half of the 18th century, Mughal school.
8. Lovers on Horseback, mid-18th century, Mughal school.
9 The Magic Lion, 1st half of the 17th century, Mughal school.
10. Bouquet of Flowers, 1 half of the 17th century, Signed Mumin Muzahhib.