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A mendicant bowing before a holy man, from the Prince Salim Album, c. 1585. Creator
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A mendicant bowing before a holy man, from the Prince Salim Album, c. 1585. Creator
A mendicant bowing before a holy man, from the Prince Salim Album, c. 1585; inner border added in Allahabad c. 1602; outer border added probably 1900s. This finished painting, made to look like a tinted drawing, depicts two holy men in the wilderness. The Sufi mystic holding a book and a rosary, and wearing a coarse blue garment, receives an ascetic who has laid down his bowl, bag, and staff to touch the mystics feet with his brow in a sign of total devotion. The verse at the top is a well-known quotation from a lyrical poem by the celebrated Persian poet Hafiz: I have fallen at his feet, grieving and wailing. Could it be that I might receive a helping hand? The depth of character in the expressions and gestures along with the masterful use of soft brushwork and shading are hallmarks of Akbars leading Mughal artist, Basavana. Paintings of this type that Prince Salim selected for his album frequently featured character studies of holy men, and they were given the distinctive border with gold rosettes and lozenges
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Media ID 19628417
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Active C And Gold On Paper Basavana Basavana Indian Mughal Opaque Watercolour 1560 1600
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This photo print, titled "A mendicant bowing before a holy man" transports us back to the late 16th century. Created around 1585, this exquisite painting is part of the Prince Salim Album, a collection carefully curated by Prince Salim himself. The artwork showcases two figures in the wilderness - a Sufi mystic and an ascetic mendicant. The central focus of the composition is on the profound act of devotion displayed by the mendicant towards the holy man. With utmost reverence, he bows down and touches his brow to the feet of the mystic. This gesture symbolizes complete surrender and unwavering faith. The delicate brushwork and shading techniques employed by Basavana, Akbar's esteemed Mughal artist, breathe life into these characters. Their expressions are filled with depth and emotion, capturing their spiritual connection in vivid detail. Adding further allure to this masterpiece is an inner border added in Allahabad around 1602. It features intricate gold rosettes and lozenges that enhance its regal appearance. Atop this enchanting artwork rests a verse from Hafiz's lyrical poem: "I have fallen at his feet, grieving and wailing. Could it be that I might receive a helping hand?". These words resonate with seekers of truth across time as they reflect upon their own yearning for guidance and solace. Preserved through centuries with meticulous care, this print allows us to appreciate both its historical significance as well as its artistic brilliance.
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