"Jahangir Wearing a Tie-dyed Patka" (circa 1620). Photo: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin

J'ai pu voir cette exposition lorsque j'étais à Washington. Elle débutait. La cour moghole était l'une des plus raffinées de son temps et ces miniatures sont superbes de finesse et d'élégance.

The Virgin Mary, with the Christ Child in the clouds. Photo: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin

For just two more weeks muraqqa commissioned by the Mughal emperors Jahangir (ruled 1605-1627) and his son Shah Jahan (ruled 1627-1658) will be on view at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

"Akbar Fights with Raja Man Singh," from a copy of the Akbarnama. (circa 1600-03) Photo: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin

Karen Rosenberg writes: "The Persian word muraqqa, in this context, describes portraits of emperors and courtiers, Eastern mystics and Western religious figures; examples of plant and animal life."

"Mu'in al-Din Chishti Holding a Globe" from the Minto album. Painting by Bichitr and calligraphy by Mir'Ali. Photo: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin

“Muraqqa: Imperial Mughal Albums” showcases 82 rarely seen paintings from six albums. Formal and informal portraiture, naturalism, spirituality, worldly extravagance and history are condensed into images no bigger than a notebook.

"The Women at the Well of Kanchinpur," a manuscript made for Prince Salim. (circa 1603-04)  Photo: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin

A typical album is composed of folios, or double-sided sheets, which pair a painting with a section of calligraphy; the relationship of image and text varies from illustration to loose association.

"Raja Udai Singh (Mota Raja) in a Gold, Flowered Jama" from the album of Shah Jahan. (circa 1640-50). Photo: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin

The muraqqa mirror the tastes and interests of the emperors who commissioned them. Art from Jahangir’s reign combines Persian, Indian and Western imagery and includes abundant references to hunting and natural history. Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, favored formal portraiture and court scenes teeming with flowers and jewels.

"Majnun in the Wilderness" from the album of Shah Jahan (circa 1640-45). Photo: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin

The young Jahangir also commissioned an album called the “Shikarnama,” or “Hunting Book.” In the sole “Shikarnama” folio on view Prince Salim (the future Jahangir) has killed a rhinoceros and a lioness. The painting is a frenzy of activity.

Photo: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin

Bridging the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan are 19 folios from the Minto album, a collection of 40 folios currently divided between the Chester Beatty Library and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Among the most lavish in the show, these folios are distinguished by elaborate, gilded borders of flowering plants.

"A Garden Gathering with a Prince in a Green Jama" from the Minto album. (circa 1620-30). Photo: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin

Royal entourages, often shown in outdoor settings, are a Minto theme. In one spectacular example depicting an Islamic garden in Western-style perspective, a colorfully attired prince and his courtiers drink wine from Venetian goblets.

"Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan with their Ministers," from the Minto album. (circa 1630-31)

Muraqqa: Imperial Mughal Albums From the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin” continues through Aug. 3 at the Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave., SW, Washington; (202) 633-1000, asia.si.edu.

Lire l'article "An Emperors’ Art: Small, Refined, Jewel Toned" bu Karen Rosenberg, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/18/arts/design/18mugh.html