Who painted The Lion Tamer?

The Lion Tamer was painted by Sadiqi Beg.

Where can I see The Lion Tamer?

The Lion Tamer is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is The Lion Tamer?

The Lion Tamer is associated with Persian Miniature.

Artwork

The Lion Tamer

Sadiqi Beg

The Lion Tamer is an unspecified painting by the Persian Miniature artist Sadiqi Beg. It is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

The Lion Tamer is a 1612 painting by Sadiqi Beg, a Persian artist and polymath of the Safavid era. It is a representative work of the Persian miniature tradition and is now held in the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a man riding a lion, likely drawn from a literary or historical narrative. The scene is simple, with the man sitting on the lion's back and his arm extended, possibly holding a whip.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by clean lines, minimal detail, and a plain background. Sadiqi Beg's style is marked by bold and expressive use of color and composition, reflecting his diverse background as a miniaturist, poet, and courtier.

History & Provenance

Sadiqi Beg was born around 1533 in Tabriz and served in the royal courts of Qazvin and Isfahan before being dismissed from the royal library in 1596. The painting was created in 1612, reflecting his continued artistic activity after his dismissal.

Artist & collection

Artist

Sadiqi Beg

Sadiqi Beg (Persian: صادقی بیگ; c. 1533 – 1610), also referred to as Sadiqi Beg Afshar (صادقی بیگ افشار) was a Persian painter, poet, biographer, draftsman, soldier, and miniaturist of the Safavid era. Born in Tabriz in…