A Common Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus)

ca. 1780

Not on view

The Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus) is sometimes known as "goat sucker" referring to the myth that these sweet-looking birds sucked on the milk of goats by night. While untrue, nightjars probably got this reputation for the close contact they had with goats while feeding on nearby insects. The artist has rendered each feather individually and marked lines on the legs, while situating the bird in an open landscape complete with tiny trees in the background.

This painting comes from an album made for Claude Martin (1735–1800), a Frenchman in the service of Nawab Asaf ud-Daula (r. 1775–97) and the East India Company in Lucknow. It subsequently belonged to the family of Charles Jenkinson, the 1st Earl of Liverpool.

Artwork Details

Object Information

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Provenance

References

Title: A Common Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus)
Date: ca. 1780
Geography: Made in India, probably Lucknow
Medium: Opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Painting: H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 cm)
W. 11 1/8 in. (28.3 cm)
Mat: H. 27 in. (68.6 cm)
W. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, 2004
Object Number: 2004.175
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Chitarman Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper — "Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
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recto: dated 1627–28; verso: ca. 1530–50

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