Portrait of a Mughal Prince

between 1650 and 1700

Islamic, Indian

Not On View

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About the Artwork

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Markings

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Provenance

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Exhibition History

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Published References

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Catalogue Raisonné

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Credit Line for Reproduction

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About the Artwork

The prince in this portrait was probably a high-ranking member of the imperial Mughal family, which held power in South Asia between 1526 and 1858. His jewel-strung turban and fine clothing — including a robe made of sheer muslin, an expensive cloth valued for its light weight and soft texture — show his great wealth. The radiant halo surrounding his head further marks his status; artists reserved this symbol for emperors, crown princes, and other highly revered figures.

Although the name “Sultan Shuja” is inscribed in Persian at right, the figure does not resemble other portraits of Shuja (better known as Shah Shuja; 1616–1661). The inscription was probably added to the painting later, and the identity of this prince remains a mystery.

Title Portrait of a Mughal Prince

Artwork Date between 1650 and 1700

Artist ----------

Life Dates ----------

Nationality Please note: Definitions for nationality may vary significantly, depending on chronology and world events. Some definitions include: Belonging to a people having a common origin based on a geography and/or descent and/or tradition and/or culture and/or religion and/or language, or sharing membership in a legally defined nation. Indian

Culture Please note: Cultures may be defined by the language, customs, religious beliefs, social norms, and material traits of a group. Islamic

Medium Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper

Dimensions Image: 9 3/4 × 5 1/2 inches (24.8 × 14 cm) Framed: 18 × 14 inches (45.7 × 35.6 cm)

Classification Paintings

Department Islamic Art

Credit Founders Society Purchase, Electra Willard Fund

Accession Number This unique number is assigned to an individual artwork as part of the cataloguing process at the time of entry into the permanent collection. Most frequently, accession numbers begin with the year in which the artwork entered the museum’s holdings. For example, 2008.3 refers to the year of acquisition and notes that it was the 3rd of that year. The DIA has a few additional systems—no longer assigned—that identify specific donors or museum patronage groups. 26.8

Markings

Inscriptions Inscribed, in gold: Sultan Shuja' Inscribed, in black ink, center right

Provenance

(Maggs Brothers, London, England);
1926-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)

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Exhibition History

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The exhibition history of a number of objects in our collection only begins after their acquisition by the museum, and may reflect an incomplete record.

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Published References

Eastman, A.C. "Six Indian Paintings" Bulletin of the DIA 8, no. 5 (February 1927).

University Liggett Antiques Show. Exh. cat., University Liggett School. Grosse Pointe Woods, 1979, p. 109.

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Catalogue Raisoneé

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Credit Line for Reproduction

Islamic, Indian, Portrait of a Mughal Prince, between 1650 and 1700, opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper. Detroit Institute of Arts, Founders Society Purchase, Electra Willard Fund, 26.8.