The Emperor Alamgir (reigned 1658–1707) on Horsebackc. 1690–1710 · Study 1971.81

Context from the museum

The equestrian portrait genre was inspired by gifts of European prints and paintings to the Mughal court. The sixth Mughal emperor is portrayed on an elegant, decorated steed, ready for battle, holding a spear, and his sword at the ready. His attendant holds the symbolic parasol over him, which is a millennia-old emblem of kingship in India. Throughout his long reign he was primarily occupied with the conquest of the Deccan, which he ultimately achieved, expanding the Mughal Empire to its greatest geographical extent.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for The Emperor Alamgir (reigned 1658–1707) on Horseback is 22.3 cm wide and 30.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 8.8 × 12.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.73:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.07 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 7.4% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 138.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With The Emperor Alamgir (reigned 1658–1707) on Horseback in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Gum tempera, gold, and silver on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 22.3 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?