The very mention of Mughal Paintings evokes stylized images of richly draped figures involved in various court activities. Though there is very little regard for realism, these paintings capture ones imagination because of their unique style and selection of themes.
The popular perception of Mughal paintings is not altogether an unfounded one, these Paintings hardly follow the dictum of realism in style but their themes are as true to its period as possible. In fact they can be seen as the most substantial specimens of their times.
A blend of the Indian and the Persian style, these paintings depicted various themes. From scenes of a Mughal court to lovers in intimate positions, the themes were both informative and provocative.
The Genesis of Mughal Paintings
It all began with Humayun's fascination with Persian Paintings in the court of Shah Tahmasp II in Tabriz. So smitten was he with the Persion art Form that he brought two Persian Painters with him in India. The Indianised version of their work is what we know as the Mughal Paintings. The earliest example of Mughal Paintings would be the Tutinama (literal meaning “Tales of a Parrot”), now in the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Themes of Mughal Paintings
Mughal Paintings were rich in variety which included portraits, events and scenes from the court life, wild life and hunting scenes, and illustrations of battle fronts, some paintings also depicted lovers in intimate positions.
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