painting;
album(detached folio)
- Museum number
- 1930,1112,0.2
- Description
-
Portrait of a young nobleman or Sarkhan (or Mirkhan?) Beg, the steward. Single-page painting mounted on a detached album folio. The standing figure is dressed in a detailed turban, belt and robe. He gently holds a flower against his chest, while his other hand clasps the string tied to his knife, which is suspended from his belt. There is some abrasion on his face. Plants decorate the background. Inscriptions appear by both his feet and head.
Ink, opaque watercolour and gold on paper.
- Production date
- 1530 (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 32 centimetres (image)
-
Height: 40.70 centimetres (sheet)
-
Width: 20.80 centimetres (image)
-
Width: 28.50 centimetres (sheet)
- $Inscriptions
-
-
- Curator's comments
- A leading artist at the court of Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524–76) in Tabriz, Mir Musavvir (active ca. 1525–50) was known for his flawless technique, evident here in the detailed perfection of Sarkhan (or Mirkhan) Beg's turban and belt ornaments. Despite the abrasion of the figure's face, enough of the underdrawing remains visible to reveal the pleasant idealised face of one of the many functionaries at the court of Shah Tahmasp.
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
2023-2024 17 Dec-8 Aug, Los Angeles, LACMA, Dining with the Sultan: the fine art of feasting
2004 23 Feb-28 Jun, Milan, Poldi Pezzoli Museum, 'The Hunt for Paradise: Court Art of Safavid Iran (1501-1576)'
2003-2004 16 Oct-18 Jan, New York, Asia Society and Museum, 'The Hunt for Paradise: Court Art of Safavid Iran (1501-1576)'
- Acquisition date
- 1930
- Department
- Middle East
- Registration number
- 1930,1112,0.2
