East Asian Art European Scene Made in India (Agra, Mughal court)c. 1600, borders probably date to 18th century Artist/maker unknown, Indian Ink, transparent watercolor, and gold on paper * Gallery 228, Asian Art, second floor 1955-96-22 Bequest of Margaretta S. Hinchman, 1955 |
LabelThis delicate drawing, whose subject is unknown, borrows heavily from the many European engravings given to the Mughal emperor Akbar (ruled 1556-1605) and stored in the massive court library. Not only has the Mughal artist used a translucent wash to add roundness to the figures and drapery, but he has also borrowed the idea, if not the exact process, of European one-point perspective in the receding architecture and throne. Even the bold outlines and carefully modulated tones - hallmarks of the nim qalam (half-pen) technique - echo the look of prints. At the same time, the drawing's sweeping lines evoke the calligrapher's art, examples of which frame the image on all four sides.* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
