A remarkable 16th-century Mughal miniature painting, titled "A Family of Cheetahs in a Rocky Landscape", has set a new world record for classical Indian and Islamic art at an international auction. This extraordinary piece by renowned artist Basawan exemplifies the artistic brilliance of the Mughal era.
The art of Mughal miniature painting began in the 16th century during the reign of the Mughal Empire. It is characterized by a fusion of Persian artistic traditions with Indian themes, later enriched by European naturalistic influences. This combination resulted in a distinctive style marked by detailed realism and refined aesthetics.
Mughal miniatures commonly portrayed royal portraits, court life, battles, hunting scenes, flora and fauna, and mythological depictions. These artworks celebrated the grandeur, diversity, and cultural richness of Mughal imperial life.
Renowned for their vivid color palette, intricate gold detailing, and delicate brushwork, Mughal miniatures achieved subtle three-dimensional effects. Artists employed fine squirrel-hair brushes and natural pigments to ensure the paintings' enduring brilliance.
Created by Basawan, a celebrated artist in Emperor Akbar’s court, this painting exemplifies his mastery of naturalism, shading, and expressive portrayal of human and animal forms. The artwork is considered one of the earliest examples of natural history studies in Mughal art, reflecting Emperor Akbar’s interest in scientific observation and realistic animal depiction.
The painting features cheetahs set against a rugged landscape of red rocks, twisted trees, and a fading sky. Historian Divyabhanusinh regards it as the earliest known Indian depiction of cheetahs in the wild, marking a significant artistic shift that influenced Mughal painting for decades.
This remarkable artwork was part of the "Exceptional Paintings" collection of Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan. Over 45 years, they amassed some of the finest Mughal and Persian paintings held in private hands. Prince Sadruddin, son of Aga Khan III, was a noted philanthropist and former UN High Commissioner for Refugees, who also contributed to humanitarian efforts during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
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