Portrait of Shah Abu’l Ma’ali c. 1545

Editor: Here we have "Portrait of Shah Abu'l Ma'ali" by Mir Sayyid 'Ali, a delicate painting on paper. The detail is incredible, but the whole image feels quite fragile. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The paper itself is crucial. Where did it come from? Who made it? Its materiality dictates the possibilities and limitations of the artist's labor. The gold leaf, the lapis lazuli… Consider the social and economic structures that enabled access to these precious materials. Editor: So, the materials tell a story about trade and power? Curator: Exactly. The painting isn't just an image, it's an artifact of consumption and production. We gain insights into the means of production just as much as the final product. Editor: That's a completely different way of thinking about art than I'm used to! Curator: Indeed, and I am glad to share this perspective with you today.