The Portrait of a Calligrapher

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This miniature, with three inch width and four and a half inch length a miniature in truest sense, is reminiscent of a 17th century Mughal portrait of a calligrapher. Despite that it has been widely reported the calligrapher rendered in the master-portrait of Jahangir's period yet remains anonymous. This 17th century portrait, which this miniature has re-done here, and with as much precision, fine details and minuteness, is one of the few world masterpieces of the medieval era. The figure is just two inch tall and one and a half inch wide but with his unique workmanship the artist has distinguished each hair of his figure's beard, each wrinkle of his face and each fold of his garment.

In its portraitural quality the miniature is superb. It is not a mere re-production of a figure's likeness but the representation of a personality with all its traits, status, occupational or professional distinction and intellectual calibre. The artist seems to have been determined in drawing his figure's definite professional identity. Had he drawn him just writing, his identity could merge with a poet or writer, which he did not aim at drawing. He portrayed him copying from a comparatively older notebook into a colourful one, in all probabilities, already containing illustrations. His pen has stopped, forehead has gone into thoughtful wrinkles and the outer end of his left eye has widened. It seems, the correctness of the spelling of a word used in the original text has struck his mind and with a pause he is re-considering it.

The grey bearded old man is fully absorbed in his work. He is obviously a calligrapher for Mughal court, which is apparent from his belongings - huge golden bolster, fine embroidered golden curtain, a gold-pen in the pocket of his gown and a rich golden blotting pad. His rich turban, long silk coat and pyjamas, carpeted floor and the total atmosphere of his house are further suggestive of his courtly status. The age and experience have been vividly depicted. Wrinkles are discernible not only on his face but also on his working hands and fingers and tilted foot. Artist's drawing skill is simply unmatched. Even in drawing a fold of his figure's surging coat he has been careful. The curved arm of the coat is more wavy than its frill suspending from his knee.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.

Of Related Interest:

Persian Calligraphy

Calligraphic Falcon

Calligraphic Horse

Antiquated Islamic Pendant with Calligraphy

Mughal Ring with Persian Calligraphy

Mughal School of Art

A Guide to the Indian Miniature

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