The Flight of the Simurgh is a remarkable example of Mughal miniature painting attributed to Basawan, one of the prominent artists who worked at the court of Emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605). Created around 1590 in India, the painting is executed in opaque watercolour, gold and ink on paper. It is also known as Young Men Carried Off by a Simurgh and is associated with the former collection of Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan. The artwork is currently housed in the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, under accession number AKM140. The composition depicts a gigantic, vividly coloured Simurgh, a mythical bird from Persian literary and artistic traditions, flying above a turbulent body of water. The creature has an elaborate crest, an imposing beak, enormous outstretched wings and a long, flowing tail. Two young men are carried in its beak, while another figure dressed in red clings to its feet. Their animated gestures and unusual positions convey movement, danger and the extraordinary nature of the event. The surrounding landscape features rocky cliffs, dense vegetation, trees, a small white architectural structure and a variety of aquatic creatures, including fish, turtles and a crocodile-like animal resembling the mythical makara. Artistically, the work demonstrates the imaginative character of Mughal painting during Akbar's reign. Basawan's attribution is significant because of his reputation for observing natural forms, creating expressive figures and developing convincing spatial arrangements. The contrast between the brilliant blue sky, the multicoloured bird, the green landscape and the dark, restless water enhances the dramatic atmosphere. The carefully rendered vegetation and aquatic creatures also demonstrate the artist's attention to detail.
In my opinion this depicts the relationship humans have with the unknown mysterious forces of nature. The large mythical bird flying over the chaotic waters with the boys on its back gives a sense of humans being at the mercy of a powerful supernatural creature. The boys are placed in an unusual position and their body language suggests they are scared, helpless and struggling to stay in control.
The Simurgh can be seen as symbolising the unknown. It is a mythical creature which links the painting to a world of fantasy, myths and nature. The bright colours of the Simurgh contrast with the dark turbulent waters below.
The large size of the bird in relation to the landscape is also significant. The landscape consists of rocky mountains, plants and sea creatures which makes it a realistic natural scene but adds in the element of something extraordinary with the Simurgh. This makes the audience think deeper into the image and think how myths can be used to show ideas of humans being at the mercy of the unknown.
Overall this painting is an imaginative image showing humans facing the unknown. The dramatic image makes you feel a sense of amazement but also makes you feel anxious. You begin to think if this extraordinary moment is dangerous, a change or something out of the ordinary for humans.
