“Study of a Bird”
“Study of a Bird” is a beautiful painting made with ink, watercolor, gold, and silver on paper. It is small, only 4.5 x 7.5 inches, and was made by the Persian artist, Riza-yi ’Abbasi, from 1634.
Abbasi was one of the leading Persian miniaturist artists from the Isfahan School of art in modern day Iran. He developed a style that utilized heavy calligraphic lines, bright colors, and a monotone background. His artistic style had a great impact on the Persian miniature art form.
This bird study is one of ‘Abbasi’s later works, made just one year before his death. Although it is not one of his typical portraits, the fine detail depicted within the features of the mockingbird and found in the trees in the background are true to the hand of this art master. Notice how the rocks and leaves in the foreground expound out beyond the blue border. His delicate touch and attention to detail are part of what makes his work so unique. His colors in this piece are blended colors, veering from the primary colors more commonly used at the time.
Riza-yi ‘Abbasi’s signature and the date of this piece can be seen on the left-hand side. He usually signed and dated his work which was very unusual at the time, and which is extremely helpful for art historians today.
“Study of a Bird” is currently within the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in the United States.
For more on Riza‑yi ‘Abbasi, please visit his short biography here.
You can find more artists to learn about here.
