Portrait of a Mughal Emperor, probably Aurangzeb

Standing against a pale blue background with faint traces of sky is a royal figure who strongly resembles the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (r. 1658-1707) in his old age. His turban is made of white fabric with gold decoration and is adorned with a bejeweled and feathered turban ornament (sarpech). The figure has a thick, full white beard. He wears a long white jama (robe) decorated with blossoming flowers and a gold sash (patka) is tied at the waist. Tucked into the sash on the figure’s right side is a dagger, the hilt can be seen from under the right arm. In his right hand he carries a long staff with a crutch-type hilt. Staffs such as these often concealed rapier-like swords for protection.