"The Great Abu Sa'ud Teaching Law", Folio from a Divan of Mahmud `Abd-al Baqi 1525 - 1575

This 16th-century folio, painted by the Safavid artist Mahmud `Abd-al Baqi, depicts a scene from a Divan, a collection of poetry and prose. The scene is a gathering of scholars, likely in a madrasa (Islamic school), where a prominent teacher, Abu Sa'ud, is lecturing. The artist masterfully renders the details of the scene, from the intricate patterns on the rugs to the expressions on the faces of the students. The inclusion of birds and foliage, along with the inscription in Arabic, adds to the richness of the scene, showcasing the artist's skill in miniature painting.