The first illustrated work by the highly influential Pakistani artist and intellectual Abdur Rahman Chughtai (1894-1975), often considered to be the first significant modern Muslim artist from Pakistan, and the nation’s national artist.
Born in Lahore, in what was then British India, Chughtai went on to develop his own unique, distinctive painting style influenced by Mughal art, miniature painting, Art Nouveau, and Islamic art traditions, as well as the work of his contemporary Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951). His subject matter was drawn from the legends, folklore and history of the Indo-Islamic world, as well as Punjab, Persia and the world of the Mughals. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Chughtai came to be regarded as one of the most famous representatives of the nation, with his works often gifted to visiting heads of states, and with Allama Iqbal, Pablo Picasso and Elizabeth II amongst his admirers.
The present book - a sumptuously illustrated edition of the poetry of the Persian and Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib (1797-1869) - contains thirty-four illustrations by Chughtai, comprising gouaches, coloured drawings and pencil sketches. Preceding this is an introduction by the distinguished scholar of Indian art, James Cousins, and a foreword by Sir Muhammad Iqbal, now considered the national poet of Pakistan. At the time of publication it was considered to be the finest achievement in book production in the country, and is now viewed as the most significant work of Chughtai’s career.
A scarce title, and one of the most beautiful and highly regarded art books produced during this period of pre-Partition India.