Madonna Lily (Lilium Caididum) Watercolour on paper
Dating to the mid-17th century AD, this floral work is a well observed study of flower petal shapes and leaf forms. The flower is identified as Madonna Lily (Lilium Caididum). Lily is a symbol of purity. Interestingly, it is a part of the iconography of European Christian art, when the Angel Gabriel comes to Madonna announcing the Conception, the birth of future Christ. Such painted scenes are called the Annunciation.
Such designs are highly suitable to the pietra dura method of inlay decoration. A similar design based on the same flower is found in Shahjahan’s tomb at Agra. The manner by which the three-dimensional effect is achieved in the inlay technique is pictorially fascinating. Several shades of the coloured stones are used in such a way that each single leaf will give the illusion that it is curled or twisted, thus, adding the element of three dimensionality.
Period:
17th century AD
Accession Number:
KLC.1124
Category:
Miniature Painting and Drawings
Provenance or region:
Mughal