Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Mansur, paint, 1620
Untitled, by Mansur, paint, 1620

Untitled is a paint painting by the Baroque artist Mansur. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting, created around 1620, depicts a white egret in a serene aquatic setting.

About this work

The bird’s white feathers look soft against the muted greens and browns of the background.

This painting shows a single white egret standing in shallow water. Its long neck curves down as it pecks at the surface. The bird’s white feathers look soft against the muted greens and browns of the background.

Mansur painted this around 1620. He was one of Jahangir’s favorite artists. The emperor even called him "Wonder of the Age."

Look up Mansur next to see more of his delicate animal paintings.

Overview

This painting, created around 1620, depicts a white egret in a serene aquatic setting. The artist, Mansur, was a prominent figure in the Mughal imperial atelier during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features a single white egret standing in shallow water, its long neck curved as it pecks at the surface. The bird's soft white feathers contrast with the muted greens and browns of the background, creating a sense of tranquility.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Mansur's skill in capturing the subtleties of natural forms. The borders, adorned with densely arranged gold flowering plants on indigo-dyed paper, are characteristic of the decorative style prevalent during Jahangir's reign.

History & Provenance

Mansur was a favored artist of Jahangir, who conferred upon him the title 'Nadir al-‘Asr' or 'Wonder of the Age'. A similar version of this painting is housed in the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum in Jaipur.

Artist & collection

Artist

Mansur

This 17th-century artist painted delicate studies of birds and flowers, often on small, intricately bordered pages.