In the complex political landscape of central India in the 16th and 17th centuries, portraits did more than simply convey a likeness of the sitter. They were produced at the court but then were disseminated to different markets and were exchanged during the course of diplomacy. Therefore, they served to also convey important aspects of the subject’s ethnic identity, political affiliation, and cultural aspirations. This talk by Dr. Marika Sardar will examine a selection of portraits, including examples in the Colby College Museum of Art’s collection, to explain how the figures’ dress served to reinforce those images.
This program is related to ongoing research on a small group of Indian portraits in the museum’s collection. Please note: The public can view works from that collection for a limited time, from 10 am to 5 pm on Wednesday, March 30, in the Landay Teaching Gallery, Lower Level.
Register for this program here, This is a hybrid program, with the option to attend in-person or online.
In-Person: Dr. Marika Sardar will speak at Given Auditorium, Bixler Art and Music Center. All those who attend in-person will be asked to wear masks, to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
Virtual: The livestream link to view the program is here.
Please note that this program is free and open to all. It will be recorded and available for viewing (with captioning) on our website and social media channels, the following week.
Image: Anonymous, Indian Man with a Flowered Coat, 18th century. Opaque watercolor on paper. 8 1/4 in. x 5 1/8 in. (20.96 cm x 13.02 cm). Gift of Mr. Ambrose Cramer.
About the Speaker
Dr. Marika Sardar is a curator and consultant who has worked at the Aga Khan Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has contributed to the exhibitions Interwoven Globe (2013), focusing on the worldwide textile trade from the 16th-18th century and Sultans of Deccan India, 1500-1750: Opulence and Fantasy (2015), examining the artistic traditions of the Muslim sultanates of central India; and she was curator for Epic Tales from Ancient India (2016), looking at narrative traditions and the illustration of texts from South Asia. Her most recent publication, written along with John Seyller and Audrey Truschke, is about a Mughal-era Persian-language manuscript of the Ramayana in the collection of the Museum of Islamic Art.
The Art& series brings together visiting artists, scholars, museum staff, and community experts for conversations about exhibitions, collections, and projects at the Colby College Museum of Art and its Lunder Institute for American Art. A mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid programs, this series is designed for those interested in learning more about art and engaging with the key issues of our time.