Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti

Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti (Arabic: يحيى بن محمود الواسطي) was a 13th-century Iraqi-Arab^[1][2][3] painter and calligrapher, noted for being the scribe and illustrator of al-Hariri's Maqamat dated 1237 CE (Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Arabe 5847).^[4]

A 13th-century book illustration produced in Baghdad by al-Wasiti showing a slave-market in the town of Zabid in Yemen

Biography

Al-Wasiti was probably born in Wasit, south of Baghdad.^[5] In 1237 he transcribed and illustrated a copy of al-Hariri's Maqamat typically shortened to Maqamat, and also known as the Assemblies,^[6] a series of anecdotes of social satire written by Al-Hariri of Basra. Al-Wasiti's illustrations, which are among the finest examples of a style used in the 13th-century, served as an inspiration for the modern Baghdad art movement in the 20th-century.^[7]

Very little is known about his life. He was from the 13th century school of painting. He was known for his articulate painting style.^[8]

Illustrations from Maqamat

In total, Maqmat has 96 illustrations, all by al-Wasiti. They are of "outstanding quality with fine composition, expressive figures, and vivid but controlled colours" and provide readers with "fascinating series of glimpses into and commentaries on 13th-century Islāmic life."^[9]

• 
  Left frontispiece (1v): ruler in Turkic dress (long braids, Sharbush fur hat, boots, fitting coat), in the Maqamat of al-Hariri, 1237 CE, possibly Baghdad.^[10][11][12]
• 
  Right frontispiece (2r): possible depiction of the author al-Hariri himself, in the Maqamat of al-Hariri, 1237 CE, possibly Baghdad.^[10][13]
• 
  Maqama 10: Ayyubid Governor of Rahba, with Abū Zayd and his son.^[14]
• 
  Maqama 39: the Queen of Oman giving birth.^[15]
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

See also

• Arabic literature
• Culture of Iraq
• Islamic art
• List of Iraqi artists