Timurid miniature painting

Timeline

1. c. 1405–1447Herat · HeratAfter moving his capital to Herat, Shahrukh vigorously patronized book production, summoning Persian and Central Asian painters to illustrate epics such as the Shahnameh, establishing the organizational model and narrative composition tradition of court miniatures.
2. 1420–1433Herat · HeratPrince Baysunghur established a library and transcription-atelier in Herat, overseeing the production of large illustrated manuscripts such as the Shahnameh; his fine, dense style became a milestone of the classic Timurid miniature.
3. 1441–1450Herat and Samarkand · Timurid successor statesAfter Shahrukh's death, Herat's atelier continued under rulers such as Ulugh Beg, while Samarkand also maintained illustration production; painters carried forward Baysunghur-era composition and color norms, paving the way for the Behzad generation.
4. c. 1460–1506Herat · HeratKamal ud-Din Behzad headed the royal atelier in Herat, bringing miniatures to a peak of balanced composition, lively figures, and deep space, profoundly influencing Safavid and Mughal court painting.