Shah Jahan

‡ It was Shah Jahan (1628-58) who perfected Mughal architecture and erected its most noble and famous buildings like Taj Mahal, Humayun's tomb and Red Fort. ‡ Painting also flourished during Shah Jahan's reign. Portraiture was most highly developed at his sophisticated court, and ink drawings were of high quality. ‡

‡ In the paintings of Shah Jahan, he's depicted him self as a young prince, as being very cold, very disdainful, as a symbol of royalty rather than a human being. ‡ He wanted himself to be seen as the symbol of perfection the perfection of a jewel so carefully crafted and so flawless that there could be no question at all of the vagaries of a human personality."

‡ This magnificent equestrian portrait of Shah Jahn epitomizes the term "Grand Mughal." The richness and refinement of the saddle, the saddle cloth, and the emperor's own costume and arms, as well as the nobility of his mount, are in perfect harmony with the regal grandeur of his face.