Courtyard Scene c. early 17th century

ink

aged paper

toned paper

water colours

pastel soft colours

pottery

handmade artwork painting

ink

watercolour bleed

earthenware

watercolour illustration

watercolor

"Courtyard Scene" is an anonymous Persian miniature painting created in the early 17th century. This artwork, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, depicts a bustling courtyard scene with figures engaged in various activities. The miniature's vibrant colors and delicate brushstrokes capture the liveliness of the scene. The figures are dressed in traditional Persian attire, showcasing the fashion and culture of the time. This miniature is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of Persian miniature painting during the Safavid period.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This painting depicts an enclosed terrace at the edge of a royal garden in which servants are preparing drinks and fruit for a prince. The scene, based on a famous composition by the Persian artist Bihzad, dated 1488 and now in the Royal Egyptian Library in Cairo, is linked to one of the greatest Timurid painters. It demonstrates the conservative nature of book illustration, which often perpetuated standard themes and pictorial styles across several generations. The intense geometric ornamentation of the building in this work suggests the decorative wall tiles also exhibited here.