The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence

Opulent exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum which looked at the golden age of Mughal art which lasted from about 1580 to 1650.

The show was clearly described and included a fabulous selection of art and objects which were beautifully displayed. I loved the way dramatic large carpets were used both as exhibits and as feature walls in some of the spaces.

I love the small Mughal paintings which remind me of Medieval illuminations. As these are small, they did create some bottle necks but showing them around the edge of rooms with objects in the centre helped the flow.

There were some stunning items such as these enamel dishes, a beautiful selection of jewels, a shield which was in the armory of Grand Duke Ferdinando I de Medici in Florence and some fabulous rock crystal.

As this is the same period as lot of the Western Renaissance art I study, I couldn’t help but make comparisons. I was interested to see mention of where the art was influenced by Western prints or where it was made for a Christian market such as a wonderful altarpiece frontal.

Closed 5 May 2025


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