Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti


Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti was a 13th-century Iraqi-Arab painter and calligrapher, noted for his illustrations of al-Hariri's Maqamat.

Biography

Al-Wasiti was probably born in Wasit واسط south of Baghdad. In 1236-37 he transcribed and illustrated a copy of al-Hariri's Maqamat typically shortened to Maqamat, and also known as the Assemblies, 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.
Very little is known about his life. He was from the 13th century school of painting. He was Known for his articulate painting style.

Illustrations from ''[Maqama]t''

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."