This Persian painting depicts a hunter astride a majestic horse, turning backwards after having shot an arrow into the mouth of a lion which has lunged toward him. Despite the effaced turban baton (kula) and visage of the figure, the intricate arabesque of his saddle, saddle cloth, and robe indicate a high level of workmanship consistent with that of the court atelier of the Safavid Shah,Tahmasp (reigned 1524-76). The combination of minute perfection of detail, and freedom of palette and expression in the paintings of this period was not subsequently surpassed in Persian painting. In technique, the Hunter on Horseback is typical of works produced for inclusion in deluxe picture albums compiled for the nobility of Safavid Iran.
More information
Title of artwork, date
A Hunter on Horseback, 1540
Date supported
1995
Medium and material
Gouache & gold on paper
Grant
15000
Total cost
50100
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