Directly associated with the image of the Garden of Eden, the depiction of floral motifs in Mughal art is significant. Initially imitating the art of Safavid Iran, a unique style was developed in Mughal works, in particular in the rhythmic placing of motifs, in which the influence of European Naturaliaheld some weight. In this lecture, we look first and foremost at the precious works, from hard stones to jewellery, of which the Mughal Empire left us an invaluable legacy and which, significantly, reveal the influence of Portuguese visitors of the time.

This lecture by Nuno Vassallo e Silva is part of the additional activities of the exhibition The Emperor’s Flowers. From the Bulb to the Carpet. 

Nuno Vassallo e Silva holds a PhD in Art History from the Faculty of Arts of the University of Coimbra. His research focuses on the art of gold and silver smithery and jewellery, the history of collecting and artistic relations in the period of Portuguese expansion, with particular emphasis on Portugal and India. A curator of national and international exhibitions in these fields, he is also the author of several books and studies, having received the 2013 Dr.José de Figueiredo Prize from the Academia Nacional de Belas-Artes for his work Ourivesaria Portuguesa de Aparato. Séculos XV e XVI(Portuguese Decorative Gold and Silver smithery of the 15th and 16th Centuries).