Abu al-Hasan

Abu al-Hasan (flourished 17th century, Delhi [India]) was one of the leading Mughal painters of the emperor Jahangir’s atelier, honored by the emperor with the title Nadir al-Zaman (“Wonder of the Age”).

Aba al-Hasan was the son of Aqa Reza of Herat, who worked with Jahangir (reigned 1605–27) before his accession to the throne. Abu al-Hasan was trained in painting under the careful tutelage of the emperor, who praised him as having “no rival or equal” and took pride in having personally formed him at his court. Paintings of Abu al-Hasan’s that have survived include the famous chinar tree with squirrels, in the India Office Library, and a large number of superb portraits. His study of European prints may have reinforced his naturalism and sympathy for his subjects. He is known to have worked early in the reign of Shah Jahan (1628–1657/58).