Portrait of Madonna c. 1600

Curator: This small, luminous painting, attributed to the artist Manohar, is titled "Portrait of Madonna" and currently resides in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought? Quiet strength. The Madonna's downcast gaze has a powerful, almost melancholy feel. Curator: It's fascinating how artists like Manohar integrated European Christian themes into Mughal painting traditions. The halo, for instance, is a direct borrowing. Editor: It’s not just a borrowing; it’s a complete transformation! Look at the detail in the clothing and that shimmering background. Divine, yet so human. Curator: Indeed. The painting's intimate scale invites a personal connection, making the sacred accessible within a courtly context. Editor: It feels like a secret, doesn't it? As if catching her in a private moment. A really special gem.