The painting is a classic example of late 17th-century Mughal portraiture, characterized by a shift toward more austere and formal representation compared to the lavish, busy scenes favored by his father, Shah Jahan. Medium: Opaque pigments and gold on wasli paper. Key Visual Elements The Halo (Nimbus): The radiant golden circle behind his head symbolizes "Farr-i-Izadi" (Divine Light). This was a standard Mughal iconographic convention adopted from European art to assert the emperor's divinely ordained right to rule. Martial Attributes: Aurangzeb is shown holding a talwar (sword) in one hand, while his other arm rests on a large shield. This reflects his self-image as a warrior-king and "Alamgir" (Conqueror of the World), emphasizing military strength and discipline. The Profile View: Almost all Mughal imperial portraits used the strict profile view. This was intended to create a sense of timelessness and detachment, presenting the ruler as an icon rather than a mere person. Attire: He is dressed in a fine jama (tunic) with an intricate patka (sash). The attention to the translucent quality of the fabric and the jewelry on his turban showcases the technical mastery of the court artists, even as the overall composition remains minimalist. Artistic Style and Context Pious Austerity: Unlike his predecessors, Aurangzeb’s later portraits often reflect his personal religious orthdoxy. While this painting still shows him in royal splendor, the backgrounds in this era became simpler—often a solid wash of color—to keep the focus entirely on the emperor’s silhouette. The Inscription: The Persian calligraphy on the top right is likely a royal title or a "shamsa" (seal) identifying him as Abul Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir. Condition: The pigments remain vibrant. There is minor rubbing near the edges, but the central figure is well-preserved. Provenance (Collection History) This artwork forms part of an inherited family collection. The current holder is Mrs. Asmath Unnisa Begum, descendant of the Hyderabad royal lineage, including H.E.H. Late Sir Mir Osman Ali Khan (VII Nizam of Hyderabad). Supporting provenance certification has been documented separately.

Outer Frame Size: Height: 18.5 inches | Width: 14 inches Inside Frame (Visible Painting Area): Height: 13.4 inches | Width: 9 inches