Peacock and Peahen

Peacock and Peahen

 by Ustad Mansur
 Jahangir Period
 17th century AD.

          This is one of the best known and a popular miniature painting of the Mughal School. Unlike the endless stylized dancing peacocks found in Indian arr, Mansur has caputured the peacock in a natural pose--as runing with its pray, a small snake in its beak. The running peacock has drawn the peahen's attention,  as she turns to look at the peacock. This is one of the most 'naturalistic' or 'realistic'  miniatures from the Mughal School. Yet it is also ingrained in the Persian tradition of miniatures with its stylized trees, and rocky, jagged landscapes,  and with its flatness. Stuart Cary Welch has said, " Partly grounded in nature, partly fanciful, this minature's total effect is wholly lyrical". In its spirit it reflects the cosmopolitan culture of the Mughal court--partly Hindu, partly Western, yet with an underpinning of Persian culture.