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A prince conversing with a woman while taking refreshments on a terrace (recto)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
The carpet turns a terrace into a space where a prince can enjoy the company of women over wine and fruits. A covered box on the carpet contains aromatic betel nut packets for pleasurable chewing. He has removed his shoes, which are left on the marble step. A princess pours liquor from a golden bottle into a tiny blue-and-white ceramic cup. The pair’s royal status is indicated by the attendants who hold the white cloth and peacock-feather whisks. Two other women bring jewels and a vial of perfume to be inspected and discussed by the royal connoisseurs.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineA prince conversing with a woman while taking refreshments on a terrace (recto), c. 1710–20. Mughal India. Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; page: 30.5 x 24.1 cm (12 x 9 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection, 2013.335.a
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