1971.96: Layla and Majnun

Identification and Creation

Object Number

1971.96

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

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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

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