Keen interest of the Mughal emperors in the study of
flora and fauna gave a special impetus to the artist to portray
wildlife and pictures on natural history, a phenomenon that never before occurred in Indian art.
The painters clarity of vision and spontaneity of expression are notable in the study of this large ochre-tan cat, 'Panther a leo,' native in Southern Asia - lion in the language of a layman. The male of this species has a mane of silky hair about the neck and at the back of it. Its body looks supple and graceful, full of majestic air. The hairy detail of the mane and the tail is minutely depicted. The sharp claws and fangs give away its ferocious bearing. Its tongue hangs out as it goes about in its search for prey. The red color of the tongue denotes its blood-thirsty nature. The lord of the jungle walks confidently in big, lithe steps. A judicious use of shading technique has been applied to add volume wherever required.
The background is almost plain except for a slight suggestion of aerial perspective with the help of a fine strip across the top, without defining the horizon line. In the foreground is a similar strip effect at the bottom and a few tufts of grass at regular intervals. This painting demonstrates the painters scrupulously objective approach, his sharp eye for detail and his fully controlled, yet graceful, sensitive handling.
The vertical columns of the picture have Arabic writings, in all probabilities giving details about the painting or the painter. Aesthetically, it adds a lot to the beauty of the painting.
This description by Renu Rana.
Pinturas
