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A prince conversing with a woman while taking refreshments on a terrace (recto); Calligraphy (verso)

Unknown

1715

unspecified

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Baroque Mughal Painting Rococo painting 18th Century Genre Scene

Dominant colour

A prince conversing with a woman while taking refreshments on a terrace (recto); Calligraphy (verso) is a 1715 unspecified by Unknown, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1715 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

You see a prince and a woman sharing wine and fruit on a terrace. A servant holds a cloth behind them, and two more women bring jewels and perfume. The carpet turns the terrace into a private room. A small box holds betel nuts—chewed for a mild buzz. The prince’s shoes sit on the step, showing he’s relaxed. Tiny blue-and-white cups hold the liquor, a sign of wealth. Look up more paintings in Mughal India, Indian art.

The story of this work

Overview

The carpet turns a terrace into a space where a prince can enjoy the company of women over wine and fruits. A covered box on the carpet contains aromatic betel nut packets for pleasurable chewing. He has removed his shoes, which are left on the marble step. A princess pours liquor from a golden bottle into a tiny blue-and-white ceramic cup. The pair’s royal status is indicated by the attendants who hold the white cloth and peacock-feather whisks. Two other women bring jewels and a vial of perfume to be inspected and discussed by the royal connoisseurs.