A Pair of Brahminy Ducks Canvas Cloth Print, c.1595

Provenance

This finely observed study of a pair of Brahminy ducks, also known as ruddy shelducks, exemplifies the Mughal court’s fascination with the natural world. Rendered with remarkable precision, the birds are depicted with their characteristic orange plumage, white wing markings, long legs, and compact bills, reflecting the growing interest in empirical observation that distinguished Mughal painting during the late sixteenth century.

Under the patronage of Emperor Akbar, artists increasingly turned their attention to flora and fauna, creating detailed studies that combined scientific accuracy with aesthetic refinement. Such works were often based on direct observation, and the extraordinary realism of this painting suggests that the artist closely studied living birds, likely among the waterfowl maintained within the gardens and palace grounds of the Mughal court.

Though modest in scale, the composition demonstrates the sophistication of Mughal natural history painting, a genre that would later flourish under Jahangir. The restrained presentation allows the viewer to focus entirely on the elegance and individuality of the birds, revealing the court atelier’s mastery of line, colour, and observation.

Disclaimer:

• The frames shown are for display purposes only and are not included with the artwork.
• As these are made-to-order designer pieces, expect minor colour variations from the displayed artwork.