Gouache on paper heightened with gold, laid down on album page depicting 4 scholars advising a prince on a terrace with attendants. Probably Dara Shikoh respresented deep in conversation with mystics and sages. Inscription to lower edge, framed. painting: 22 by 17 cm. CATALOGUE NOTE Darah Shikoh was the eldest and most beloved son of Shah Jahan, exhibited a profound interest in mysticism, preferring academia and the company of ascetics to the military career. The topic has always been a popular one , with the Mughal emperors from Akbar onwards often represented deep in conversation with mystics and sages. It is partly due to a desire to consolidate their right to rule through theological means, and partly through a sincere fascination with faith and spirituality. Akbar wanted to show his tolerance towards people of other faiths, As his borders spread and his empire incorporated increasing numbers of non-muslim subjects. Akbar recognised the need to prove his acceptance of other denominations. Lectures were held in the capital city focusing on the philosophical and spiritual issues of Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. In any event, this political and personal interest in mysticism continued in the reign of Jahangir, when many artists began representing groups of wise men as a subject in their own right, without a princely figure and on into the reign of Shah Jhan. PROVENANCE Formerly in the collection of the artist Einar Jolin (1890-1976) Stockholm. Inscription on the back: ‘Acquired from Trägård in Gothenburg by Einar Jolin 1947.