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Portrait of Lal Kunwar
(Manuscripts and Rare Books, Islamic World , Islamic Manuscripts)
This Mughal color-wash drawing, Walters manuscript leaf W.712, dates to the12th century AH/AD 18th and depicts Lal Kunwar, the beloved of the 8th Mughal Emperor Jahandar Shah (died 1125 AH/AD 1713). Originally a dancing girl, she became Jahandar's concubine and later the queen consort. Contemporary historians noted Jahandar Shah's decadent lifestyle and his devotion to the female entertainer Lal Kunwar, who is named in the inscription at the top of the page. Reportedly, Lal Kunwar had much influence at Jahandar's court. The seals in the upper corners of the page were added later.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 10/18/1973 | Treatment | stabilized |
| 7/22/1975 | Examination | examined for condition |
| 12/14/2015 | Treatment | examined for exhibition; media consolidation |
Geographies
India (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 12 13/16 x W: 8 7/16 in. (32.6 x 21.5 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
W.712
