two facing manuscript pages with blue borders with scrolling gilt floral designs and gilt cartouches with red flowers; left image of a woman seated on a throne beneath a canopy, accompanied by women and girls, with a pair of staircases at bottom flanking a fountain and additional women; right image of similar interior with man seated on throne accompanied by men and boys, with two men next to stairs at left and three women next to stairs at right; text on back

Two court scenes, one with a woman presiding the other with a man [Nur Jahan and Jahagir?], 19th century (?)

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Pen and ink, watercolor, and gildingexpand_more

Anonymous giftexpand_more  2018.96.30

Not on Viewexpand_more

This pair of court scenes appears to depict Nur Jahan and Jahagir, rulers of the Moghul Empire, 1611-1627. The elaborate gold decoration in the images suggest the might and wealth of their court. That wife and husband are shown as equals is what sets this royal couple apart from others. Jahagir became emperor in 1605, when the great empire encompassed most of modern day northern India and Pakistan. Unfortunately, he was indecisive, feckless, and addicted to opium. Yet, he found a strong hand in his 20th and final wife, Nur Jahan, a widow brimming with intelligence and charisma. She quickly established her place as favorite consort and took over as the true power behind the throne.

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Details
Title
Two court scenes, one with a woman presiding the other with a man [Nur Jahan and Jahagir?]
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2018.96.30
Provenance
John E. Andrus III (Wayzata, Minn.); Julie Andrus (Minneapolis, Minn.)
Curator Approved

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two facing manuscript pages with blue borders with scrolling gilt floral designs and gilt cartouches with red flowers; left image of a woman seated on a throne beneath a canopy, accompanied by women and girls, with a pair of staircases at bottom flanking a fountain and additional women; right image of similar interior with man seated on throne accompanied by men and boys, with two men next to stairs at left and three women next to stairs at right; text on back