Harvard Art Museums > 1971.96: Layla and Majnun Paintings Collections Search Exit Deep Zoom Mode Zoom Out Zoom In Reset Zoom Full Screen Add to Collection Order Image Copy Link Copy Citation Citation"Layla and Majnun (Unknown Artist) , 1971.96,” Harvard Art Museums collections online, Apr 17, 2024, https://hvrd.art/o/215366. Reuse via IIIF Toggle Deep Zoom Mode Download This object does not yet have a description. Identification and Creation Object Number 1971.96 People Unknown Artist Title Layla and Majnun Classification Paintings Work Type painting Date first half of 18th century Places Creation Place: South Asia, India, Kashmir, Basohli or Nurpur Culture Indian Persistent Link https://hvrd.art/o/215366 Physical Descriptions Medium Opaque watercolor and gold on paper Dimensions 11.8 x 16.8 cm (4 5/8 x 6 1/2 in.), page Inscriptions and Marks inscription: Language: Urdu Script: Nasta‘liq Above Layla’s head: لیلی Layla Above Majnun’s head: مجنوں Majnnun Acquisition and Rights Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Friends of the Fogg Art Museum Fund Accession Year 1971 Object Number 1971.96 Division Asian and Mediterranean Art Contact am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu Permissions The Harvard Art Museums encourage the use of images found on this website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. To request a higher resolution file of this image, please submit an online request. Descriptions Description Seated on a carpet with a lattice and floral design is a female figure, identified as “Layla” through the Urdu inscription above her head. She wears an elaborate headdress, a long red dress, a green shawl, and ornate jewelry, which includes a head ornament, necklaces, armlets, bracelets, earrings, and a nose ring. In her right hand she holds a green flask, while her left hand holds out a small blue and white cup. Her palms are dyed with henna. In front of her are two cups, a flask, two apples, a bowl, a tray of grapes, and a book on a stand. Across from her, seated on the ground and under a sapling, is an emaciated male figure. He is identified as “Majnun” through the Urdu inscription above his head. He is depicted with dark skin, curly hair, a beard, a pink loin cloth. The tale of the star-crossed lovers Layla and Majnun, who have been compared to Juliet and Romeo, has inspired many poets through the centuries. The best known version is that written by Nizami Ganjavi (1141-1209) in the 12th century. Exhibition History Out of the Hills: Miniature Painting from Himalayan India, Harvard University Art Museums, Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 05/26/1984 - 07/08/1984 Divinely Inspired: Images of Mystics and Mendicants, Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, 01/16/1999 - 03/29/1999 On the Path of Madness: Representations of Majnun in Persian, Turkish, and Indian Painting, Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 09/27/2007 - 03/23/2008 Verification Level This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
