Tweede koning of mogol van Indostan c. 1675 - 1755

Adrianus Canter Visscher painted the "Tweede koning of mogol van Indostan," employing the traditional medium of the miniature to depict a Mughal king, adorned with a halo. This radiant halo, a motif of divine association, has a rich lineage. From early Christian art, where it signifies the sanctity of Christ and his saints, to its adoption in royal portraiture across various cultures, the halo serves to elevate the subject, imbuing them with an aura of power and authority. Consider, for instance, the Roman emperors depicted with solar crowns, emblems of their celestial mandate. This iconography resurfaces in Byzantine mosaics, where emperors and empresses are framed by golden halos, declaring their divinely ordained rule. The psychological impact is profound; the halo taps into our primal recognition of light as a symbol of life and higher power, subconsciously influencing our perception of the subject's importance. Thus, the halo in this Mughal portrait is not merely decorative; it is a potent symbol, echoing through centuries of art and culture, reinforcing the king's status as a figure of near-divine significance.