Miniature pasted on an album leaf. ‘A Woman Visiting a Yogini by a River’
India, Mughal; c. 1650
Leaf: 26.4 × 30.6 cm
Inventory number 55/2000
If it were not for the two main characters – a pretty Hindu girl asking a bluish yogini for advice – the miniature would look like a European landscape painting from the end of the 16th century. It has been attributed to Payag, who was known for his penchant for night scenes and a dark palette.
The painting is an amazing meeting of cultures, and reflects an eclecticism that specifically characterized much Mughal art. At its best it is a fantastic synthesis of Indian, Persian, and European traditions. Others, however, feel that it lacks the originality that otherwise distinguishes the art of the three cultures.
The painting is an amazing meeting of cultures, and reflects an eclecticism that specifically characterized much Mughal art. At its best it is a fantastic synthesis of Indian, Persian, and European traditions. Others, however, feel that it lacks the originality that otherwise distinguishes the art of the three cultures.
Published in
Published in
Sotheby’s, London, 11/4-1972, lot 110;
Robert Skelton: “Landscape in Indian painting” in Colloquies on Art & Archaeology in Asia, 9, 1980, p. 158, pl. 4b;
Kjeld von Folsach: For the Privileged Few: Islamic Miniature Painting from The David Collection, Louisiana, Humlebæk 2007, cat.no. 107;
Robert Skelton: “Landscape in Indian painting” in Colloquies on Art & Archaeology in Asia, 9, 1980, p. 158, pl. 4b;
Kjeld von Folsach: For the Privileged Few: Islamic Miniature Painting from The David Collection, Louisiana, Humlebæk 2007, cat.no. 107;
Mughal India
Miniature pasted on an album leaf. ‘Portrait of Mahdi Quli Khan’. Attributed to Ram Das
Miniature pasted on an album leaf. ‘Portrait of a Turkish Ambassador at the Court of Shah Jahan’
Miniature pasted on an album leaf. ‘Prince Azam Shah on Horseback’
Miniature pasted on cardboard. ‘Erotic Scene on a Terrace’