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Portrait of a Sufi

first quarter 17th century
Not on view
The primitive fur, the alms bowl, the flute, and the trance-like meditative state identify this figure as a dervish, or a sufi, a Muslim mystic who has renounced the material aspects of existence. The sense of abstract patterning in the fur and in the man's crossed limbs, combined with the distinctive palette featuring pink and sky blue, suggest an origin in the Deccan, possibly Bijapur. The invocation at the lower left, "Oh Prophet of the House of Hashim from thee comes help," referring to the prophet Muhammad, is in Persian.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Portrait of a Sufi
  • Date: first quarter 17th century
  • Geography: Attributed to India, Deccan, probably Bijapur
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Page: H. 15 1/8 in. (38.4 cm)
    W. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm)
    Painting: H. 8 7/8 in. (22.6 cm)
    W. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956
  • Object Number: 57.51.30
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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