"Red-Headed Vulture and Long-Billed Vulture", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album 1510 - 1645

This folio from the Shah Jahan Album, created by the renowned Mughal artist Mansur, showcases two vultures with remarkable detail. The artwork, dated between 1510 and 1645, exemplifies the Mughal period's fascination with naturalism and scientific observation. Mansur, known for his meticulous depictions of flora and fauna, captured the vultures' intricate features with precision. The border, adorned with elaborate floral motifs in gold, adds a touch of elegance and grandeur, emphasizing the artistic finesse of Mughal miniature painting. This artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, offers a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of the Mughal era and its keen interest in the natural world.