Portrait of Nur Ali Shah

19th century

Not on view

This charming portrait depicts a saintly Nur ‘Ali Shah (d.1801), who was one of the champions of the Ni'matullahi order during the Sufi revival of the Qajar period. Images of this martyred young poet popularly adorned objects in different media, from drawings and paintings to lacquer and enamelware. Here, he is shown wearing a Sufi cap in front of a Europeanizing landscape of trees and buildings. The artist has focused on the sensitive treatment of his curly locks and his pensive gaze.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Portrait of Nur Ali Shah
Date: 19th century
Geography: From Iran
Medium: Ink, gold, and wash on paper
Dimensions: H. 7 in. (17.8 cm)
W. 4 11/16 in. (11.9 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Purchase, 2017 and 2018 NoRuz at The Met Benefits, 2019
Object Number: 2019.148
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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