The Prophet and the Persian Physician

The ‘Prophet and the Persian Physician’ is a Mughal miniature painting attributed to the artist Abid. Painted in the year 1645 (under the patronage of Shah Jahan), this artwork belongs to a manuscript of Sa’adi Shirazi’s work ‘Gulistan’, which was originally transcribed in Herat in 1468 by the calligrapher Sultan Ali Mashhadi. Executed in opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper, the painting demonstrates the influence of Persian literature on Mughal artistic practices that contributed to the development of Indian art during the 17th century. The ‘Gulistan’ is a collection of moral anecdotes and stories addressing human behaviour, ethical conduct and wisdom. This particular story shows a Persian king sending a physician to attend the Prophet Mohammed. After remaining among the profits companions without receiving any patients, the physician enquires about their good health. The Prophet explains their practice of eating only when hungry and stopping before becoming completely full. The narrative, thus highlights the importance of dietary restraint and moderation as essential aspects of a healthy life.The composition of the painting depicts this very encounter between the Prophet and a Persian physician. The narrative scene is set within an architectural space with blue and green areas contributing to its visual arrangement. An interesting point of this artwork is its material history. A 2019 Smithsonian conservation study revealed traces of earlier painting beneath the visible composition through infrared imaging. This discovery makes this miniature significant not only as an example of Mughal painting but also as an evidence of the changing artistic practices of manuscript production throughout history, thus adding another dimension to its historical and artistic importance.