Description
The painter of this image gave particular attention to the details of the woman’s European dress, especially her elegant bodice and wide-brimmed hat. The European hat was a point of attention in South Asia from the 16th century on, when Europeans began to be seen there in greater numbers. The high-back chair was also a noted European novelty, as the South Asian elite sat on carpets and low platforms; the artist focuses on the elaborate nature of the throne chair. The exaggerated aspects of the woman’s dress and throne suggest that this image might have been intended to inspire laughter.
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