2-722-056 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

A feast in a pavilion setting, c. 1620. Two gentlemen sit on a low carpeted platform in a walled garden. They wear bulbous turbans meant to indicate a historical time or distant place other than Mughal India. Behind them is the entry of a wealthy family’s house with one of the double doors open, leading to the inner quarters and a covered pavilion on the rooftop. The vestibule’s rear wall is ornamented with niches and wall paintings. Emperor Jahangir admired Persian art and culture, employing Persian painters such as Muhammad Ali in his royal atelier. He enjoyed gatherings such as this, with books and music, wine and fruits.