Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c11.76

c11.76

“This day Abu’-l-Hasan, a painter, who bore the title of Nâdiru-zamân, drew a picture of my Court and presented it to me. He had attached it as a frontispiece to the ‘Jahangir-nama.’ As it was well worthy of praise, I loaded him with great favours. If the celebrated Abûl-Haî and Bihzâd were now alive they would do him full justice for his exquisite taste in painting.

“His father, Âka-Razâ, was always with me while I was a prince, and his son was born in my household. However, the son is far superior to the father. I gave him a good education, till he became one of the most distinguished men of the age. The portraits furnished by him are beautiful.

“Mansur is also a master of the art of drawing, and he has the title of Nâdiru-l-Aslî. In the time of my father and my own there have been none to compare with these two artists.”