ABU AL-HASAN

flourished 17th century, , Delhi one of the leading Mughal painters of the emperor Jahangir's atelier, honoured by the emperor with the title Nadir-uz-Zaman ("Wonder of the Age"). Abu al-Hasan was the son of Aqa Reza of Herat, who took employment with Jahangir (reigned 1605-27) before his accession to the throne. Abu al-Hasan was trained in painting under the careful tutelage of the emperor, who praised him as having "no rival or equal" and took pride in having personally formed him at his court. Paintings of his that have survived include the famous chinar tree with squirrels in the India Office Library, and a large number of superb portraits. His study of European prints may have reinforced his naturalism and sympathy for his subjects. He is known to have worked early in the reign of Shah Jahan (reigned 1628-57/58).