The Holy Family — Restored Mughal Wall Art

This painting of Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and the infant Jesus is based on European sources, but it also contains several details that are specifically Indian. For example, although Mary is dressed in classical European-style robes, she is adorned with jewelry of rubies and emeralds, the preferred gems of Mughal royalty. Her fingertips are also red with henna, and she wears a bindi on her forehead. The detailed rendering of the vase evokes the Catholic St. Francis as well as Indian worship of the sun. The vessel itself points to the appreciation of Chinese blue-and-white ware imported from imperial Ming-dynasty kilns to the court of Jahangir (reigned 1605–27).

Northern India, Mughal court, early 17th century, c. 1620s. Original medium: Gum tempera and gold on paper.

Worth knowing: With hennaed fingertips Mary holds the vase so baby Jesus doesn’t tip it over.

Faithfully restored from museum archives and printed on premium canvas-textured fine art paper, framed and ready to hang.

• Enhanced matte paper framed poster
• Sizes: 12×16 in and 18×24 in
• Frame colors: Black, Red Oak, White
• Free U.S. shipping