A ROYAL COUPLE

Private collection London 
Acquired 1980's

Some age-related oxidization and staining. Some flaking particularly in the verdigris background, slightly on faces. and foreground.. Small cracks to paper, particularly on lower left and right corners, have been repaired. Image trimmed. Verso: General age-related toning. Paper reinforcing remnants and small adhesions near edges. Outlines of figures on recto showing through. Remnants of conservator's tape and small repairs. Some stains. Inscribed in black ink. Conservation framed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A formal double-portrait of a royal couple.  They stand facing each other wearing diaphanous muslin outer jama and skirt - against a brilliant malachite green ground - exchanging a gold jeweled container.  He holds a slender, ornate ceremonial sword, a jeweled katar tucked into his sash.  His short-length patka with flowering lily patterns was in favor during the latter period of Shah Jahan.  Red tinged clouds swirl above.  

An extremely fine and naturalistic double portrait from the imperial workshops of Emperor Shah Jahan where paintings by atelier artists were made of royal family members, courtiers and sometimes notable persons like great musicians and diplomats, often on a blue-green verdigris background.  Our painting is superb in execution and reveals keen psychological insight into the personal relationship of this anonymous royal couple.  Similar Imperial portraits are in the Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, with some mounted into muraqqa' album  folios like the Shah Jahan Album (accession no. 55.121.10.33), and some as individual leaves like our own double portrait.

For further discussion on the Shah Jahan Album, see M. C. Beach, The Grand Mogul: Imperial Painting in India 1600-1660, Williamstown, 1978.