Early 18th Century

Mughal School

Size: 7 x 5 in (17.8 x 12.7 cm)

This well finished Mughal painting is that of a princess and her companion. The two figures are seen standing at an open palace window.

The beautiful princess is seen holding a small glass of wine, which she seems to be passing on to her companion, who stands next to her. The princess has one hand around her companion's shoulder, indicating a closeness between the two women. The princess wears a short, tight long-sleeved blouse and a fawn coloured embroidered skirt with a fine veil over her head. Her simple jewellery consists of a pearl necklace, earrings and bangles. She has beautiful but thoughtful eyes, thick eyebrows, long lustrous hair and a flawless complexion. Her companion wears a long-sleeved jama with fine embroidered flowers that can be seen through the veil she covers herself with. She also wears pearl jewellery with a prominent nose ring and a 'tikli' or head decoration. Their hands are henna-dyed. The quality of the work and finish are remarkable. The hand painted work looks like a photograph. It is quite obviously the hand of a well trained artist of the great Mughal court.

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