There is so much to love about this folio from the Salim Album. Starting with the folio margins where birds in colour fly about (they're such realistic studies) among foliage and fantastic(al) animals drawn in gold, on gold. I recommend zooming into details here. Cartouches of gold, blue and read frame the painting, and the top and bottom has inscriptions in a neat, artistic hand.

If one can tear one's eyes from the margin, there is another visual treat waiting. The star of the painting is, of course, the beautiful hound, who sits with puppy energy, next to a small stream. He is slender and although sitting, you can tell he's ready to jump and play. There are other images of people with dogs, like this one, shared a few days ago.

The contrast between the dog being lightly shaded and the man in full colour ensures we don't completely ignore the sitter, who is perched on a rock throne, under a tree, and a pair of birds that have flown into the frame. I am convinved the man will, any minute now, put his book down and throw the (good) doggo a stick.