Portrait of Ali Quli Mirza, Itizad al-Saltana
This is a fine portrait of prince 'Ali Quli Mirza I'tizad al-Saltana, 54th son of the ruler Fath 'Ali Shah Qajar, who served as Minister of Higher Education, and Director of the Dar al-Funun academy (Iran's first modern institution of higher learning). It demonstrates the court artist Abu'l Hasan Ghaffari's extraordinary skills in rendering realistic portraits that capture the sitter's psychological state.
Here, the artist has devoted attention to a lavishly decorated interior of carved plaster walls with touches of cut mirrorwork and the prince's brocade cloak.
By the 1850's photography was widely practiced at court which had a decisive impact on painting. The dialogue between painting and photography is evident in this portrait.
Here, the artist has devoted attention to a lavishly decorated interior of carved plaster walls with touches of cut mirrorwork and the prince's brocade cloak.
By the 1850's photography was widely practiced at court which had a decisive impact on painting. The dialogue between painting and photography is evident in this portrait.
Artwork Details
- Title: Portrait of
Ali Quli Mirza, Itizad al-Saltana - Artist: Abu`l Hasan Ghaffari, known as Sani' al-Mulk (Iranian, 1814–66)
- Date: dated 1273 AH/1856–57 CE
- Geography: Made in Iran
- Medium: Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper
- Dimensions: H. 12 5/8 in. (32 cm)
W. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm) - Classification: Codices
- Credit Line: Purchase, 2017 and 2018 NoRuz at The Met Benefits, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.150
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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Abu`l Hasan Ghaffari, known as Sani' al-Mulk
ca. 1856–57
Abu`l Hasan Ghaffari, known as Sani' al-Mulk
mid-19th century
Abu`l Hasan Ghaffari, known as Sani' al-Mulk
mid-19th century
dated 1268 AH/1851–52 CE
ca. 1850
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