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Portrait of a noblewoman
Portrait of a nobleman holding a pink rose
India, Mughal 1675 to 1725 Opaque watercolor on paper 611/!^ × 321/#@ in. ( 17.0 × 9.3 cm) Intended bequest of David T. Owsley PG.2007.85
India, Mughal Painting: 17th century; border: 19th century Opaque watercolor on paper Overall: 7 9/#@ × 41/* in. (18.5 × 10.5 cm) Intended bequest of David T. Owsley PG.2007.90
The exquisite precision and delicacy that mark this painting of a court lady reflect the taste of the Mughal court, as well as the romantic appeal of a beautiful woman. Her lavish and partly transparent garments have an erotic allure often found in Indian painting. The lovely flowers at her feet indicate both the charm of springtime and the lady’s refined sensibilities. A.B.
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Paintings like this one were often gifts from a ruler or highly placed person to a favored follower. The man is richly dressed and wears a handsome sword, indicating his position in society. The rose he holds suggests his civilized sensibilities, as does the ethereal grace of the sky and flowers that form the painting’s setting. A.B.
TH E A RTS O F THE MU G HA L PERIO D