The Art Institute of Chicago

Two Early Indian PaintingsAuthor(s): Jack SewellSource: The Art Institute of Chicago Quarterly, Vol. 56, No. 4 (Winter, 1962), pp. 72-73Published by: The Art Institute of ChicagoStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4120420 .

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Two Early Indian Paintings FINE EARLY INDIAN PAINTINGS have, in the past decade, become increasingly difficult to obtain. Through the generosity of the Joseph and Helen Regenstein Foundation, the Art Institute collection has been enriched by two important examples.

Earlier, and the rarer, is a page from a now dispersed manuscript of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi's Khamseh. A date in the second half of the 15th century is

suggested by the rather crude nasta 'liq writing. The painting has stylistic analogies with certain Persian and Egyptian examples of a century earlier; and

possibly an affinity with 10th century Indian wall paintings in Cave 33 at

Ellora, where similar band-like compositions are found. The Art Institute

example, like others from the series, is painted in rich colors. Deep reds and

gold predominate. Within an architectural setting, an enthroned figure, flanked by an attendant, receives three standing, turbaned figures. Only the

serving man is beardless. The short black beards and almond-shaped eyes recur in other paintings from this manuscript.

The second miniature, of about a century later, illustrates an as yet un- identified Episode from the Bhagavata Purana. It is of southern Rajasthan, or

possibly central Indian provenance. Again a rich red and gold predominate, though a full palette of primary colors is employed. The crowded composition teems with activity. Confronting chariots of elaborate form are drawn by yellow, green, gold, bright mineral blue and dappled pink steeds. The occupants, singly or in pairs, some in armor, have bows drawn as their mounts carry them to battle. In one quiet area at the middle right, a young woman is seated within an architectural enframement with a male companion. The drawing through- out the composition is vibrantly alive, and the action is heightened by the bold color and accents of black. JACK SEWELL

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Episode from a manuscript of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi's Khamseh

Second half of the 15th century. Color on paper, 51/4 x 81/2 inches

Episode from the Bhagavata Purana

Southern Rajasthan or, possibly, central India, about 1575

Color on paper, 7 x 91/8 inches

Gifts of the Joseph and Helen Regenstein Foundation

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