Ustad Mansur Chameleon India, 1612

1612 chameleon at the Royal Gallery, Westminster, London: Ustad Mansur

Ustad Mansur, 

whose original name was Mirza 'Ustad Mansur Naqqash-Bashi, was born in the late 16th century and passed away around 1624. He was a prominent Mughal painter during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. Known for his realistic depictions of plants and animals, Mansur's botanical and zoological illustrations displayed remarkable attention to detail and accuracy. His work exemplified a fusion of artistic creativity and scientific precision, setting new standards in the art of natural history representation during the Mughal era. Mansur's legacy endures through his masterful portrayals of the natural world.