Baber c. 1675 - 1755

Adrianus Canter Visscher made this painting of Baber in an unknown medium, its date also unknown. Baber was the founder of the Mughal dynasty, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent for several centuries, so a portrait of him would have been a powerful symbol of imperial authority, especially for an artist working in India. The Mughal Empire was renowned for its patronage of the arts, and paintings like this often served to legitimize the rule of emperors. We see Baber seated, suggesting both authority and accessibility. His clothing and jewelry, along with the setting, indicate wealth and status, key visual cues of power. The very act of creating and displaying such a portrait reinforces a distinct social hierarchy. To fully understand this painting, we can research the history of the Mughal Empire and the role of art within its court. What was Visscher's relationship to the sitter? What was the intended audience and purpose of this portrait? The answers to these questions will further illuminate the rich and complex social history embedded within this image.