Lot 284
- 284
A portrait of Jahanara Begum, India, Mughal, 18th century
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- gouache and ink on paper
gouache heightened with gold on paper, nasta'liq inscription of identification above, mounted on an album page with later floral borders
Condition
In reasonably good overall condition, losses to upper corners of album page, other consolidated tears to margins, central portrait with minor creasing, small loss to right edge, minor paint flaking to face of subject, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This is a rare portrait of Jahanara Begum (d.1681), the eldest surviving daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan (r.1628-58). He bestowed on her the titles Zamani ('Lady of the Age'), Padishah Begum ('Lady Emperor'), and Begum Sahib ('Princess of Princesses'). As the powerful 'First Lady of the Empire', she famously sided with Dara Shikoh in the struggle for the throne after Shah Jahan's death against her younger brother Aurangzeb, who was supported by Begum Ara's sister Roshanara. Jahanara Begum's tomb is in the Nizamuddin Dargah complex in New Delhi.