An Emaciated Horse Led by His Master

Unknown

late 16th century · Ink and watercolor on paper · Islamic Art

A man with a water skin or possibly a saddle slung over his shoulder leads an emaciated horse across a rocky, semi-arid landscape. The bony horse is being attacked by crows, which peck at two points on its back. In mystical terms, the horse represents mortality, broken down and advancing toward death, while the man leading it proceeds unaware of his ultimate fate. The anonymous artist has used touches of red ink on the horse’s lead and the wounds on its back.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th century

Medium

Ink and watercolor on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Bequest of George D. Pratt, 1935