Bid for Jahangir

A rare life-size painting of Mughal emperor Jahangir is set to go under the hammer at the Indian and Islamic Art auction at the Bonhams in the UK on April 5. “This is one of the rarest and most desirable 17th century paintings ever to come to auction. There is no other work of its kind known,and its importance cannot be underestimated,” said Alice Bailey,Head of Indian and Islamic Art at Bonhams,one of the world’s oldest and most famous auctioneers.

The portrait is also creating a buzz because of it’s estimated value of £1 million. The work portrays the opulent side of the Mughal emperor’s life — he is shown seated on a gold throne,dressed in elaborate robes and jewellery,and holding a globe. The work has been attributed to celebrated Mughal-era painters,Abul Hasan and Nadir al-Zaman.