Page 204 - Eye of the beholder

JAHANGR AND HIS ATTENDANTS LATE 18TH AND EARLY 19TH CENTURY
The painting has the representation of the Emperor Jahangir, whose likeness has been well rendered when compared with his portrait executed during his reign. He sits in a pavilion that is narrow and cramped, but with a sense of scale and resting against a large bolster, the perspective of which is askewed. In front of him is an elderly courtier with his hands in supplication, perhaps conveying some news to him, with the representation of a young boy holding chauri and standing behind the Emperor.
The gesture of Jahangir’s hand on his chest apparently is that of deep shock which he is listening to with grave seriousness; with eyes lost in thoughtfulness. The chauri bearer is equally lost in his contemplative feelings. It forms an interesting and interactive group composition through gestures and glances. Emperor has been delineated youthful, attired in a long yellow ochre cotton printed jama with a blue-green kamar bandh at his waist, wearing the only jewellery namely the necklace that is around his neck. The turban has a peacock feather and turban jewel pin. His foot wear is equally interesting, green in color and resembles the high boots. The courtier in front of him is similarly attired but in burnt umber and blue checked kamar bandh. He wears a simple green coloured turban. The young chauri bearer is similarly attired in pink with green checked kamar bandh, blue boots and a pinkish red turban.
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