Sprig of Rose Blossoms

On this folio there is a drawing that depicts a spray of roses—one full blossom and two buds. Rose blossoms were an enduringly popular theme in Iranian art from the late Safavid through Qajar periods. The botanical details and enhanced shading in this drawing recall floral renderings in European still-life paintings. This rose drawing is composed of two pieces of paper pasted together, and it had been backed with a third piece of paper (now removed, see Acc.# 728.1983.2).