De eerste koninginne van den Mogol Auxeng Zeeb c. 1675 - 1755

This watercolor and ink drawing of a Mogul queen was made by Adrianus Canter Visscher. The artwork offers a glimpse into the private life and spaces of the Mogul elite, which were rarely seen by outsiders. The painting reflects a complex intersection of cultural perspectives. We see the Mogul queen attended by servants, perhaps emphasizing her elevated status, while the composition includes a pond and garden, suggesting a serene, cultivated environment reflective of the wealth and power of the Mogul court. We may consider the perspective of the Dutch artist, Visscher, whose interpretation and representation of Mogul culture reveals the biases of the colonial gaze. The intimate setting invites us to consider the queen not just as a ruler, but as a woman, mother, and subject within her own world. Ultimately, this image asks us to consider the power dynamics and cultural exchanges at play during the colonial era. It reminds us that historical records are always mediated, shaped by the individual who is telling the story.