Ancient Near East, Persia, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A finely painted painting on paper, using opaque pigments as well as gold leaf, depicting regal court scenes with a gold leaf border. Interestingly, Persian art although under the influence of Islam never completely forbade the inclusion of the human figure. Furthermore, the depiction of figures - oftentimes in groups - is a common practice in the miniature tradition. Scholars believe that this was because the miniature was used as a private form. These images were kept in a book or album and only shown to a select audience. For this reason, artists could be more free when creating miniatures than when creating wall paintings which were viewed by a wider audience. The Koran (Qur'an) and other religious texts were not illustrated in this way as a rule; however, other works of literature and histories at times included religious scenes, some with depictions of Prophet Muhammed, although those rendered after 1500 usually do not present his face. Size: 14.125" L x 8" W (35.9 cm x 20.3 cm)

Miniature painting emerged in Persian art during the 13th century. Following the Mongol conquests, the genre displayed strong Chinese influence, and the tradition reached its peak during the 15th and 16th centuries. Furthermore, Persian miniature painting influenced other Islamic miniature traditions, including the Ottoman miniature created in Turkey as well as the Mughal miniature of India.

Interestingly, Persian art - although under the influence of Islam - never completely forbade the inclusion of the human figure. Furthermore, the depiction of figures - oftentimes in groups - is a common practice in the miniature tradition. Scholars believe that this was because the miniature was used as a private form of visual culture. These images were kept in a book or an album and only shown to a select audience. For this reason, artists could be more free when creating miniatures than when creating wall paintings which were viewed by a wider audience. The Koran (Qur'an) and other religious texts were not illustrated in this way as a rule; however, other works of literature and histories at times included religious scenes, some with depictions of Muhammed, although those rendered after 1500 usually do not present his face.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection

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#135776

Normal toning to paper commensurate with age. Mounted to a heavy-grade cardstock backing. Minute tear to left margin of composition. Minor areas of discoloration, but otherwise, the imagery and inscription are very good. Some wear/old adhesive marks from previous matting or mounting to margins on verso, but these do not compromise the imagery on the front in any way. Two letters written in pencil on verso.