Rooster, c. 1620. India, Mughal, 17th century. Opaque watercolor and gold on paper; image: x cm (7 3/16 x 4 3/4 in.); overall: x cm (14 11/16 x 10 in.). This bird, with its fierce expression, sharp beak, and spurred feet, may have been a champion in the cockfighting ring. The Mughal emperor Jahangir requested that his royal court artists paint portraits of remarkable birds and animals with as much realism as possible. He felt that such paintings enhanced feelings of amazement beyond hearing or reading an account.

---

Size: 2303px × 3400px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: