Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti () was a 13th-century Iraqi-Arab painter and calligrapher, noted for being the scribe and illustrator of al-Hariri's Maqamat dated 1237 CE (Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Arabe 5847).
Biography Al-Wasiti was probably born in Wasit, south of Baghdad.Jonathan Bloom and Sheila S. Blair (eds), Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art & Architecture, Oxford University Press, 2009, p.210; Kember, P. (ed.), Benezit Dictionary of Asian Artists, Oxford University Press, 2012, In 1237 he transcribed and illustrated a copy of al-Hariri's Maqamat typically shortened to Maqamat, and also known as the Assemblies,Jonathan Bloom and Sheila S. Blair (eds), Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art & Architecture, Oxford University Press, 2009, p.294 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.Wijdan, A. (ed.), Contemporary Art From The Islamic World, p.166
Very little is known about his life. He was from the 13th century school of painting. He was known for his articulate painting style."Yaḥyā ibn Maḥmūd al-Wāsiṭī," in: Encyclopædia Britannica, Online:
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.""Yaḥyā ibn Maḥmūd al-Wāsiṭī," in: Encyclopædia Britannica, Online:
See also
Arabic literature Culture of Iraq Islamic art List of Iraqi artists
References
Sources
Translated as
Al Maqamat: Beautifully Illustrated Arabic Literary Tradition – 1001 Inventions