Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint painting by 'Ali al-Husaini. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This untitled painting on paper is the work of 'Ali al-Husaini, dated to 1650. It is executed in opaque watercolour and gold.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork features a central calligraphy panel with flowing black script on a gold background, surrounded by floral patterns in various colours. The calligraphy is the primary focus, enhanced by the decorative elements.
Technique & Style
The painting showcases intricate designs, including small floral motifs and thick, dark borders with repeating leaf-like shapes. The use of opaque watercolour and gold on paper highlights the artist's skill in combining text and ornamentation.
History & Provenance
The painting was part of the estate bequeathed by Harriet Sarah, Baroness Wantage, upon her death in 1920.
Artist & collection
Artist
This 17th-century painter left no name behind, just a few vivid panels that hum with quiet mischief—like the time he painted a mosque’s wall with a grinning monkey holding a lantern.
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627); verso: From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627) (recto)
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627); verso: From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627) (recto)
Double Title Page of a copy of the Shahnama of Firdausi
Text of Rustam and Suhrab, from the Shah-nama of Firdausi (Persian, c. 934–1020) (verso)
Illuminated page (verso), from a Panj Ganj (Five Treasures) of Abd al- Rahman Jami (Persian, 1414–1492) with two Persian masnavis: Yusuf va Zulaykha (Joseph and Zulaykha) and Khirad-nama-i Iskandari (Alexander’s Book of Wisdom)
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II (verso)