An Emaciated Horse Led by His Master
Unknown Artist
late 16th century
Medium
Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions
H. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm) W. 5 3/8 in. (13.7 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George D. Pratt, 1935
Accession Number
45.174.11
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate ink and watercolor painting on paper, titled *An Emaciated Horse by His Master*, hails from the late th century and exemplifies the exquisite miniature tradition of Islamic art. Measuring just 2⅛ by 5⅜ inches, it likely originates from a codex—an illuminated manuscript book—where such tiny, intricate scenes were nestled among pages of text. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Department of Islamic Art (Bequest of George D., 1935), it captures a poignant moment: a gaunt horse guided by its master, accompanied by birds, evoking themes of loyalty, hardship, and the human-animal...