Chameleon

ca. 1595–1600

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

In this masterful and somewhat personal work in the natural world genre, Mansur deftly extended the chromatic range across creature and foliage alike, underscoring the chameleon’s wonderful ability to blend with its surroundings. The monochromatic branches form a foil to the chameleon and the foliage with which it is has harmonized itself. Already in the employ of Prince Salam (the future Jahangir), Mansur no doubt intended this engaging image to capture his young patron’s attention.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Chameleon
Artist: Mansur (active ca. 1589–1626)
Date: ca. 1595–1600
Culture: India (Mughal court at Lahore or Allahabad)
Medium: Opaque watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions: Page: 4 5/16 x 5 1/16 in. (11 x 12.8 cm)
Framed: 17 1/4 x 13 1/4 x 1 in. (43.8 x 33.7 x 2.6 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Lent by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Curatorial Department: Asian Art