Shah jahan on a Terrace

This beautiful Mughal miniature, titled "Shah Jahan on a Terrace Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait" is a work of art that shows the power of Emperor Shah Jahan. Emperor Shah Jahan was the emperor from 1628 to 1658. People often think that the court painter Balchand made this miniature. However most people believe it was actually made by the artist Chitarman around 1627 or 1628. This Mughal miniature is like a message that says Emperor Shah Jahan has the right to be the emperor and that he loves buildings and things. Emperor Shah Jahan is shown in a way, which was typical in Mughal paintings. He is shown from the side, which makes Emperor Shah Jahan look important and distant. There is a halo around Emperor Shah Jahan which's like a ring of light. This was an idea that came from art and it shows that Emperor Shah Jahan is like a god. There are also angels floating above Emperor Shah Jahan which's another idea that came from European art. One of the angels is giving Emperor Shah Jahan a crown or a sword, which makes Emperor Shah Jahan look more powerful. The main idea of the Mughal miniature is Emperor Shah Jahan holding a picture of Emperor Shah Jahan. This is like a statement that says Emperor Shah Jahan is the emperor. It is interesting that Emperor Shah Jahan did not allow his nobles to wear these kinds of pictures even though they were popular. This makes the picture that Emperor Shah Jahan is holding special. The artist who made this Mughal miniature is very skilled at showing textures. You can almost feel the softness of Emperor Shah Jahans clothes the heaviness of Emperor Shah Jahans gold sash and the coolness of Emperor Shah Jahans pearls. The Mughal miniature is surrounded by a border with flowers and intricate designs. This is like the decorations found in buildings like the Taj Mahal. This Mughal miniature was made soon after Emperor Shah Jahan became emperor. It shows how good the Mughal artists were at making things. It also shows a change in style from the lively paintings of his father Jahangirs time to a more formal and idealized style that emphasizes greatness and beauty. The Mughal miniature, "Shah Jahan, on a Terrace Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait" is an example of this style.