Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint painting by the Baroque artist Manohar. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This untitled Mughal painting, created between 1610 and 1615, depicts an Indian black buck being led by its keeper. The work is attributed to Manohar, a prominent artist of the Mughal court, who signed the piece in two locations.
Subject & Meaning
The scene showcases a serene Indian black buck accompanied by its keeper, who assumes a distinctive pose—kneeling on one knee and glancing over his shoulder. This posture is reminiscent of Joseph in Albrecht Dürer's engraving *The Flight to Egypt*, reflecting the Mughal artists' familiarity with European prints.
Technique & Style
Manohar's signature style blends Mughal sensibilities with European influences, evident in the composition and the keeper's pose. The original green ground and the animal's sleek depiction exemplify the artist's attention to detail.
History & Provenance
Manohar, an artist under emperors Akbar and Jahangir, signed the work 'Manohar banda' (servant of Jahangir) and 'Jahangir shahi'. Floral borders were added later, during Jahangir's late reign or early in Shah Jahan's. The page, once part of a royal album, was bequeathed to the museum by Lady Wantage in 1921.
Context
The painting reflects the cultural exchange between the Mughal court and Europe, facilitated by Jesuits from Portuguese Goa, who introduced Dürer's engravings to India in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Legacy
As one of Manohar's notable works, this painting demonstrates the artist's adaptability and the broader artistic innovations of the Mughal court during Jahangir's rule, blending traditional and foreign influences.
Artist & collection
