"Alexander is Lowered into the Sea", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi 1572 - 1623

"Alexander is Lowered into the Sea" was made by Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, dating back to the 13th or 14th century. This painting comes from a manuscript, a book made entirely by hand. From the preparation of the parchment to the mixing of pigments, every step demanded skilled labor. Consider the lapis lazuli, ground into the rich blues, likely sourced from distant lands, and the gold leaf, meticulously applied, both of which speak to global trade. The artist carefully layers mineral and organic pigments bound with animal glue, building up the image with incredible detail. The painting would have been commissioned, representing a considerable investment. Its creation involved not just the painter but also scribes, illuminators, and binders. The final product embodies the knowledge, labor, and trade networks that define its time. Appreciating this folio means understanding the collaborative processes, skilled traditions, and material networks behind it.