In the complex political landscape of the Indian subcontinent in the 16th and 17th centuries, portraits did more than simply convey a likeness of the sitter. This talk, by Marika Sardar , Curator at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, will examine portraits of the monarchs and courtiers of the Deccan Sultanates of Central India, looking at how the backgrounds, clothing and various “props”included in the painting all served to reinforce a certain image of the person depicted.

Image Credit: Malik Ambar of Ahmednagar (c. 1605-1627); artist, Hashim, circa 1624-25; opaque watercolors and gold on paper; Victoria & Albert Museum collection, London, (IM.21-1925); Public Domain Art