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Yusuf and Zulaikha

Unknown

1750

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Rococo painting Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Yusuf and Zulaikha is a 1750 paint by Unknown, a Rococo painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1750 · Rococo painting
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a woman, Zulaykha, in a palace garden with maids around her. A man, Yusuf, is approaching in the background. The story of Yusuf and Zulaykha was a popular romance in the Islamic world. This painting is from the 18th century and has a unique style. It was made at the Hyderabad court. To learn more about the style and techniques used in this painting, look up the technique: sfumato.

The story of this work

Overview

The painting depicts Zulaykha in a palace garden surrounded by attendants, with Yusuf approaching in the background, illustrating a scene from the Persian romance Yusuf and Zulaykha. Created in Hyderabad in 1750 using opaque watercolour and gold on paper, it reflects the distinctive 18th-century style of the Hyderabad court. The work was later transferred from the Department of Engraving, Illustration & Design as part of RP 57/68.

Read the full account in the museum source.