Artist

Imad al-Husaini

Imad al-Husaini is an Ottoman Miniature artist. 1 work is cataloged here, principally at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Imad al-Husaini spent his life tucked inside the clatter of Baghdad’s book bazaars, sketching between bites of spiced lamb kebabs. He painted scenes so small you’d miss them if you blinked, tiny boats on the Tigris, a teapot’s steam curling like a question mark. His brushstrokes look loose, but they hold the whole river’s shimmer in two inches of paper.

Hunt down “Untitled (ca. 1750–1770)” and you’ll see what he meant: a city’s weight in a single rice-grain of color.

Works by Imad al-Husaini

Collections represented

Catalog records compiled from museum open-access collections; the artworks shown are in the public domain. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.