Arkivism
A King Making Love in the Harem
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A King Making Love in the Harem

c. 1720–30 · gum tempera and gold on paper

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

From a series of paintings valorizing the virility of the ruler, this scene of lovemaking is set in the lavish interior space of the palace women’s quarters. Mauve floral carpet, gold lattice window, and vessels for wine and breath-freshening paan enhance the scene. The marble walls with gold flowering plants and niches appear gray in the dim evening light.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineA King Making Love in the Harem, c. 1720–30. Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Jaipur. Gum tempera and gold on paper; page: 13.7 x 9.5 cm (5 3/8 x 3 3/4 in.); miniature: 8.3 x 8.6 cm (3 1/4 x 3 3/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund, 2018.170
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