The Art of Islamic Miniature Painting

Islamic miniature painting is a rich and ancient art form that flourished across the Islamic world from the Middle Ages onwards. Characterized by its vibrant colors, meticulous detail, and often complex compositions, these paintings adorned manuscripts, served as illustrations for historical and literary works, and were sometimes created as independent artworks.

Typically created using gouache, watercolor, and ink on paper, these miniatures depict a wide range of subjects, including historical events, literary scenes, portraits, landscapes, and scientific illustrations. They are renowned for their delicate brushwork, stylized figures, and the use of gold leaf to highlight elements.