Mughal Portrait of Emperor Jahangir, ca. 1800, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, 31.4 x 21.0 cm, Kate S. Buckingham Fund.

Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago
312-443-3600
Gallery 101A
Splendor and Intimacy: Mughal and Rajput Courtly Life
August 4, 2007-February 3, 2008

Miniature paintings and decorative arts including jades, jewelry, and weapons demonstrate the richness of the arts that were produced in South Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. Objects in this exhibition offers a glimpse into the courtly life of Mughal emperors (1526-1857) as well as their Rajput opponents and vassals.

Interaction between the imperial Mughal dynasty and the rugged, aristocratic, and proud Rajputs led to an immense flowering of art and architecture seen most in the Taj Mahal, which greatly enhanced the architectural and artistic heritage of India and Pakistan. War, marriage, and diplomacy contributed to the fusion of Persianate Islamic art with native Rajput traditions.

Miniature paintings in Splendor and Intimacy reveal the private and public lives of Mughal and Rajput rulers behind fortress walls. The depiction of a sovereign in full procession, formal portraits of rulers and courtiers bearing arms in proud profile, intimate scenes within the zenana (harem) of a palace, and the image of a maiden at her toilette are windows onto the realms of Mughal and Rajput royalty. Detail and ornamentation of textiles, arms, and jewelry worn by those depicted are reflected in the decorative arts that accompany the paintings.

Mughai Fluted Bowl with Foliate Handles, 18th century, Jade, 6.3 x 17.6 x 14.8 cm, Gift of Pauline Palmer Wood.