Notes on Aqa Mirak

Margin illustrations from the "Golestan of Sa'di" attributed to a Persian Artist Aqa Mirak. Circa 1530

• Aqa Mirak was the greatest painter of animals at the court of Shah Tahmasp. We can say that Aqa Mirak and Tahmasp Safavi were close and intimate friends but just how close is impossible for me to say... yet. Suffice it to say that Aqa Mirak was allowed unrestricted access to Tahmasp and when all artists were expelled from Tahmasp's court Aqa Mirak was exempt.

• Aqa Mirak was a master in the portraying action in animals and mythical beasts in miniature painting. he was later widely copied in Mughal art.

• Fantastic Animals - Golestan of Sa'di

• artnet.com: Resource Library: Aqa Mirak

• La Miniature En Orient Plate 62 Portrait of the Prince

• La Miniature En Orient Plate 61: Shah Tahmasp?

• Dragon & Horseman - Sadiqi Beg (?)

• La Miniature En Orient Plate 57: Portrait of a Young Woman