Maker/Artist
Muhammad Zaman
Persian painter, active 1649-1704, died before 1720-1721
Zaman's work was at the forefront of the stylistic eclecticism found in 17th-century Safavid painting. He was sent to study painting in Rome by Shah Abbas II (reigned 1642-1666), but because he converted to Christianity, Zaman was forced to take refuge in the court of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. His signature is found on no fewer than 40 works. They include a number of pen boxes, papier-mâche articles (1659-1674), and his notable Night Scene mounted in the Davis Album. The influence of European art is reflected in his use of perspective, modelling with colors, and certain landscape elements. A higher level of eclecticism can be seen in five of his paintings (completed between 1682 and 1689) based on Flemish and Italian prints.
