Idealized Portrait of the Mughal Empress Nur Jahan
This Indian painting has a realism that most early Indian paintings do not possess. This woman appears more human with expression and action unlike other pieces. Her profile doesn't have the forward facing eyes previously seen either. This is a painting with more of the European feel to it. The skin tone and colors of the the jewelry is realistic. In comparison to the piece, "Krishna and the Gopis", this woman is very different. The woman in this painting was royalty, which was very rare at the time for a female to be painting like this.
It is said that this woman was the favorite wife to Jahangir the Mughal Emperor, but I'm surprised this piece feels more realistic than the other flat pieces from this time frame. Could this picture been comissioned when India started trading with Europe?
ReplyDeleteGreat observation, Dana. There do seem to be some pieces that have European tendencies but most feel flat. This profile portrait would also been reflective of the portraits done in Europe as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you it does look more realistic. I just love the hair the texture looks so soft. The beads look so smooth and shiny, they also look 3 dimensional. This painting reminds me of the ones we talked about where they have all the jewelry and fancy things.
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