Emperor Akbar and Empress Mariam-uz-Zamani
Artifact ID1985.00569.01-.02
Object Type
Painting
Gifter
Sonia Gandhi
Date
20th Century
Medium
Ivory, Paint, Metal (silver)
DimensionsEach: 4 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (11.4 × 8.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionTwo oval miniature portrait paintings on ivory in silver-plated filigree frames. The first is of Empress Mariam-uz-Zamani (.01), and the second is of Emperor Akbar the Great (.02).Historical NoteMiniature portraits painted on ivory of Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great (1542-1605) and his consort Empress Mariam-uz-Zamani (1542-1623). Akbar increased the Mughal Empire to most of the northern half of the Indian subcontinent, tripling in size, and was also considered a patron of art and culture. During the Reagan administration, the portraits were displayed in the White House Residence West Sitting Hall.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and was on display in the White House until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Country/CultureIndiaIn Collection(s)
Exhibition HistoryNancy Reagan: A First Lady’s Style (2007-2008), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library;
Within the Vault (1998), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library;
Symbols of Diplomacy (1993-1994), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library;
White House-Residence-West Sitting Hall (Reagan Administration)