Calligraphic Panel 1825 - 1875

"Calligraphic Panel" is an 19th-century work by Muhammad Shafiq, a prominent calligrapher from 19th-century Mughal India. The panel, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a richly ornamented composition of Arabic script in gold paint on a dark red ground. The intricately woven calligraphy expresses a verse from the Quran, highlighting Shafiq's mastery of the *thuluth* script style, known for its elegant curves and decorative flourishes. This piece is a significant example of Islamic art, demonstrating the beauty and artistry within the tradition of Quranic calligraphy.