A Stallion

A pale gray horse stands alone on an open page. It is shown in perfect profile, with an embroidered golden blanket over its back and a few patterned straps and tassels. The ground is barely suggested, so the horse stands as if on air. The painter, Habiballah, came from Sava in Iran and worked in a refined style in which every line was carefully placed: the arch of the neck, the slender legs, the delicate shading along the belly. Single horses like this were admired and collected in albums. It is a portrait in the full sense: of one particular animal, standing quietly, as if waiting to be ridden somewhere wonderful.

Look closely

1. Follow the line of the back from ears to tail.
2. Look at the pattern on the golden blanket.
3. Look at the legs. How does the painter make them seem strong but light?

While you sit

A fine horse, saddled and waiting. You don’t have to go anywhere yet.

Your seat in the galleries: a leather-covered bench with a golden embroidered blanket thrown over it.