Gods, Goddesses, and Kings

May 25 – August 15, 2015

South One Gallery

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The small size, intricate and delicate brushwork, and vibrant colors impart Persian and Indian miniature paintings with a unique identity. Because miniatures were meant to be kept in a private album, artists were allowed more freedom with religious imagery than with other artistic forms that were seen by a larger, public audience. Known for bright and pure colors, the paintings were created with mineral-based pigments that remain vivid despite the passage of time. Miniature paintings are one of the best-known forms of Persian and Indian painting in the West, and many of the most important examples are held in Western museum collections. Gods, Goddess, and Kings highlights a selection of Persian and Indian miniature paintings from the Art Museum collection.

 

Images:

 

(Left) Krishna and Friends Teasing the Gopis, Indian, c. 19^th century, pigment and tempera, gift of Dr. and Mrs. John C. Budge, 1980.229

(Right) Portrait of a Royal Lady, Persian, c. 18^th century, pigment and tempera, 5-1/4 x 3-1/4 inches, gift of Dr. and Mrs. John C. Budge, 1980.241