Shah Jahan c. 1656 - 1661

Here we see Rembrandt van Rijn's Shah Jahan, a drawing of the Mughal emperor of India from the 17th century. It's fascinating to consider Rembrandt, a Dutch artist, depicting a Mughal emperor, and to understand how cultural exchange and artistic interpretation can shape perceptions of identity across geographical boundaries. What did Rembrandt know of Shah Jahan? What sources did he have? Rembrandt’s interest in depicting figures from different cultures reflects the growing global awareness and trade networks of the Dutch Golden Age. This drawing invites us to consider how power and identity are represented through the lens of cultural exchange, and to reflect on the emotional and personal dimensions of encountering unfamiliar worlds through art.