This exquisite Timurid-style miniature painting by Nehmatullah Ahmadi, one of Afghanistan’s last remaining masters of the tradition, reimagines Alexander the Great bathing in a saffron-infused stream within the lush forests of Nūristān. Commissioned by MĪZĀN to celebrate the release of their Nūristān Soaps, the artwork blends rich historical romance with stunning intricacy, capturing the timeless allure of Alexander’s legendary mystique. The lush, golden tones of saffron and the fine detailing of the forest bring the scene to life, inviting viewers to “Bathe like the Conqueror.” This painting is not just an homage to history but also a celebration of Afghanistan’s enduring artistic heritage.

William Henry Florio Hutchisson’s "A Chance Encounter with a Tiger During an Elephant Hunt" captures the dramatic intensity and adventure of colonial-era hunting in India. Painted circa 1835-37, this oil on canvas (56 x 72 cm.) exemplifies Hutchisson’s fascination with Indian wildlife and hunting culture, a subject he often explored as both an artist and avid sportsman. Set in Bengal, where Hutchisson lived for 18 years, the painting showcases the perilous moment of a tiger hunt from atop an elephant, a vivid illustration of the era's hunting traditions. Rich in detail and energy, the artwork reflects the artist's real-life experiences, as recounted in his memoirs, Pen and Pencil Sketches. This work is part of Hutchisson's series on Indian hunting scenes, making it a significant testament to British encounters with India’s untamed wilderness in the early 19th century.

This oil on canvas painting by William Henry Florio Hutchisson captures a mesmerizing scene of a nautch performance at the court of Humayun Jah, Nawab of Bengal (1810–1838), in Murshidabad. The artwork depicts the Nawab and the British Resident seated prominently on the right, witnessing the elaborate dance and music that embodied the cultural traditions of the era. Rendered with exquisite detail, the painting reflects the opulence of the Nawab’s court and the complex cultural exchanges between Bengal and British colonial authorities, making it a significant historical and artistic record of early 19th-century Indo-British relations.

Drawing by James Rattray