Brunk Auctions
Live Auction

Premier Auction - Session I

Fri, May 20, 2022 09:00AM EDT
Lot 502

Framed Indian Miniature Portrait Painting

Estimate: $600 - $900

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

19th century, depicting Empress Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Shah Jahan in elaborate robes and headdress, sight 2-1/2 x 2 in.; in carved and gilt wood oval frame, 3 x 2-1/2 in.

Note: Mumtaz Mahal (lit.?'the exalted one of the Palace'), born Arjumand Banu Begum (27 April 1593 ? 17 June 1631) was the empress consort of the Mughal Empire from 19 January 1628 to 17 June 1631 as the chief consort of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal in Agra, often cited as one of the Wonders of the World, was commissioned by her husband to act as her tomb. Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 in Burhanpur, Deccan (present-day Madhya Pradesh), during the birth of her 14th child, a daughter named Gauhar Ara Begum. Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built as a tomb for her, which is considered to be a monument of undying love. As with other Mughal royal ladies, no contemporary likenesses of her are accepted, but numerous imagined portraits were created from the 19th century onwards.

Provenance: Private Collection, Colorado

Condition

not examined out of frame, frame with light wear and abrasions