Jahangir

The remarkable drawing Jahangir was executed by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn between 1656 and 1658. This piece, created using ink on delicate Japanese paper, is classified as a drawing and showcases Rijn’s distinctive ability to adapt foreign styles into his own artistic lexicon. The work is not an original portrait but rather a direct study or copy after a sophisticated Mughal miniature painting, likely dating from the early 17th century.

The subject is identified as the Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1569-1627), the fourth ruler of the vast Mughal Empire in India. During the height of the Dutch Golden Age, Rijn collected numerous examples of Mughal and Persian court art, which significantly influenced his late drawing style. This particular study is part of a critical series of approximately twenty-five drawings where Rijn meticulously replicated figures and compositions sourced from these imported miniatures. He skillfully translated the vibrant colors, detailed patterning, and luxurious textiles of the original court painting into monochromatic studies, focusing intently on capturing the posture, dignity, and facial expression of the enthroned emperor.

As a profound example of the cross-cultural artistic exchange that occurred through global trade, this piece remains a significant work in Rijn’s oeuvre, revealing his lifelong dedication to drawing from life and from other artistic traditions. The original drawing Jahangir is a prized possession in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Due to its historical importance, this masterwork is often digitized, allowing high-quality prints to be made available globally through various institutional initiatives, including those utilizing images now in the public domain.