Laila Offering Fruits to Majnun

The painting portrays Laila offering fruits to Majnun who in her love has reduced to a mere skeleton. According to the ancient Persian folklore, which was first recorded by the 12th century Persian writer Nizami in his Khamsa, Majnun fell in love the first time he saw Laila. He took all efforts to win her love but when he failed, he retired into the forest to be eaten up by wild animals. Animals, however, happened to be more compassionate - instead of harming him they brought him food and took care of him.

Majnun, though moved with their love and concern, did not eat anything and in the course of time emaciated to a mere frame of bones, The news reached to Laila. She could not think of anyone, to have such love for her. With her family priest, eatables and drinking water she rushed to the forest where she fainted after she saw Majnun's miserable plight.

The theme has been repeatedly painted in Mughal, Deccani and Rajasthani miniatures, though with greater details. Majnun is painted as surrounded by several wild animals and Laila as accompanied by a band of her friends, attendants and priest. In this painting, isolated figures of the two lovers fail to reveal the event in its wholeness.