c. 1670-1680
Minister Giving a Mughal Prince a Necklace
Artist/maker unknownImage 1 of 21 / 2
As this double portrait lacks an inscription, it is difficult to identify the two figures with any certainty. Judging by his costume, the young man appears to be a Mughal prince. The older man, who places an emerald and pearl necklace in the other man's hand, is probably a minister. The official histories of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's reign (1658-1707) recount numerous grants of horses, robes, and gems, which were awarded to the emperor's sons for their military service. A gift represented more than just a transference of wealth. It was also a symbolic bequest of political power. This painting preserves for posterity one such gift ceremony, a sure benefit both to the gift's esteemed presenter and to its distinguished recipient.
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