This exclusive study of the flower shows in all its delicacy of rhythm the usual finesse of a master's hand. It has its inner leaves pressed together bud-like; the outer ones are bigger and spaced out. It fully confirms to the rules of naturalistic study without losing its essential aesthetic appeal. Its gentle bent stems with tilted buds and tender petals suggest careful rendering of the pigment, applied thinly. The shading is equally delicate. To accentuate the naturalistic flavor, a couple of caterpillar eaten leaves are also shown. The most noticeable aspect of the leaves is the delicate venation proceeding towards the margin of the leaf blade. They are painted evenly with a denser tone in the middle to a lighter one at the edges. The main stem bears thorns which are needle sharp.
The plant is depicted against a subdued flat background which was a characteristic trait of Mughal portrait painting also followed in studies of flowers. The reason why the background is treated plain is that the total focus lay on the main subject which suggests the artist's inclination to project it in all its genuine objective form. What impresses one is the loving care taken in the drawing of the delicate flowering plant which appears so full of life. All artistic dimensions have been explored to achieve control of rhythmic, environmental and relational aspects in living nature.
The calligraphic writing atop the picture decorates the picture more richly.
This description by Renu Rana.
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