Portret van Fath Jang Khan, de grootvizier van Aurangzeb c. 1686

This is an anonymous portrait of Fath Jang Khan, the grand vizier of Aurangzeb, made with paint on paper. The portrait is divided into horizontal zones: a floral decorative border frames a rectangular patterned space, above which the figure stands against a pale green background. Note how the figure’s form is defined by precise, delicate lines and flat planes of colour, creating a sense of stillness and formality. The composition here can be interpreted through a formalist lens. The contrast between the elaborate border and the relative simplicity of the central figure draws attention to the construction of representation itself. The subject's clothing is rendered with subtle variations in tone and texture, suggesting a concern for detail that transcends mere documentation. Consider how the portrait uses flatness and linearity to convey a sense of authority and presence. These formal elements invite us to think about how the grand vizier is not merely depicted but constructed through artistic means. This piece reminds us that all visual representation is a careful arrangement of forms, colors, and lines which contribute to our understanding.