Jahangir and Prince Khurram Entertained by Nur Jahan, circa 1640-50

Jahangir and prince khurram entertained by nur jahan ca. 1640-50 mughal dynasty reign of jahangir opaque watercolor, ink and gold on paper h: 25. 2 w: 14. 2 cm north india, north india f1907. 258 from the source's "label": the powerful empress nur jahan (1577-1645) was an ardent patron of gardens. This intimate composition depicts the empress relaxing with her husband, jahangir, and prince khurram, the future emperor shah jahan, in what is almost certainly the ram bagh garden. Nur jahan remodeled this agra garden in 1621, shortly before the painting was created. The ram bagh epitomizes the imperial mughal (1526-1858) garden aesthetic that thoroughly integrated nature and architecture. Carpets like fields of flowers, wall paintings of cypresses, open porches with blossom-adorned columns, and water channels that ran from exterior to interior contributed to a fluid, delightful whole. Delicately scented breezes and burbling fountains further set the stage for royal pastimes. Date: circa 1640-50.